Stinging Nettle
Urtica holosericea
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Pl. D380 — Urtica holosericea
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IOverview
Overview
Stinging Nettle (Urtica holosericea) is a perennial herb found in the wild across several western U.S. states and northern Mexico. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure, growing up to 2.5 meters tall. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, stinging nettle is native to Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. One distinctive feature of this plant is the fine hairs on its stems and leaves that can cause a stinging sensation upon contact; however, these irritants are often removed when preparing the plant for consumption.
Quick answers
What is Stinging Nettle?
Stinging Nettle (Urtica holosericea) is a perennial herb found in the wild across several western U.S. states and northern Mexico. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure, growing up to 2.5 meters tall.
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 function, often prepared as a tea or decoction. It is believed to help maintain healthy inflammatory responses.
Nettle contains compounds like quercetin and histamine which may modulate the body's inflammatory response pathways. However, 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
Stinging Nettle thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial grows up to 2.5 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, it can be divided or sown from seeds. Edible parts include the leaves and shoots, making this plant a valuable addition to your garden for both its nutritional benefits and ornamental value.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
2.5 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 small patch of soil or container, seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is moist and warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with partial sun to full sun. Ensure the soil is well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start young plants indoors before transplanting.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and protect from extreme heat. Monitor for pests like aphids.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Prune to maintain size and encourage new growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in early spring before the plant flowers to promote a bushy shape and more leaves.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full shade, not protecting from pests, and allowing the plant to flower.
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
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