Stinging Nettle
Urtica californica
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Pl. 355D — Urtica californica
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IOverview
Overview
Stinging Nettle (Urtica californica) is a perennial herb native to the western and northern regions of North America, including states like Alabama, Alaska, and British Columbia, as well as parts of Canada such as Quebec and Ontario. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, this plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7. Its distinctive features include fine hairs that release stinging chemicals when touched, making it important to handle carefully. Found across a range from hardiness zone 3 to 10, the stinging nettle can grow up to 1.8 meters tall, adding both ornamental value and culinary interest to gardens and natural landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Stinging Nettle?
Stinging Nettle (Urtica californica) is a perennial herb native to the western and northern regions of North America, including states like Alabama, Alaska, and British Columbia, as well as parts of Canada such as Quebec and Ontario.
What is Stinging Nettle used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. 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- Traditional-use note: Stinging Nettle appears in herbal sources around after-meal comfort traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
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
Stinging nettle thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 3 to 10. This perennial grows up to 1.8 meters tall and can be propagated by division or seed. For best results, plant it in a location that receives partial shade to full sun. Ensure the soil pH is between 6.5 and 7 for optimal growth. Harvest edible parts such as leaves and shoots when young for use in cooking.
Light
5/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-10
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.8 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Stinging Nettle for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance approach to growing Stinging Nettle.
- 1
What you'll need
A packet of Urtica californica seeds or young plants, gloves, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with partial shade and well-draining soil. Ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep, spacing them about 30 cm apart. Transplant young plants in the same distance.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and fertilize with compost once a month. Pinch back shoots to encourage bushy growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in early spring before the plant flowers for maximum leaf production. Remove spent flower heads to promote new growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: Drink
Other uses:CompostDyeFiberHairAnimal feed
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Labrador, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Alabama
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
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 355d39b1-b761-4bc2-bb73-d06c65a68b1d
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