Stinging nettle
Urtica breweri
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Pl. 1D34 — Urtica breweri
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IOverview
Overview
Stinging nettle (Urtica breweri) is a perennial herb native to the western United States and northwestern Mexico. Found in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, this plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, stinging nettle is a valuable resource for foragers. One distinctive feature of Urtica breweri is its ability to grow up to 1 meter tall, making it a noticeable presence in its habitat. Its adaptability to various soil types—light, medium, or heavy—allows it to flourish across diverse landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Stinging nettle?
Stinging nettle (Urtica breweri) is a perennial herb native to the western United States and northwestern Mexico. Found in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, this plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure.
What is Stinging nettle used for?
Traditionally used for immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Stinging nettle
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Stinging nettle has been traditionally used in European and Native American medicine to support immune health, often prepared as a tea or decoction. It may help maintain healthy inflammatory responses.
The plant contains compounds like quercetin and histamine which can modulate the body's response to allergens and inflammation, though the exact mechanism is not fully characterised.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Stinging nettle support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Urtica breweri thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial plant grows up to 1 meter tall and can be propagated through division or seed. It is hardy in temperate regions and native to areas including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. For optimal growth, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing ample sunlight. Skip any specific product recommendations.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Stinging nettle for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance approach to growing stinging nettle.
- 1
What you'll need
A garden spot or container, gloves, and pruning shears.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure good drainage if using containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start seedlings indoors and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist. Monitor for pests and diseases, treating as needed with water or handpicking.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy. Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune or harvest leaves and shoots in early spring before the plant flowers for best flavor.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too sunny a spot, not wearing gloves when handling, and neglecting to prune after flowering.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: Drink
Other uses:CompostDyeFiberHairAnimal feed
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 12 native
Broader regions
native:Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Mexico Northwest
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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