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Urtica laetevirens

Urtica laetevirens
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Urtica laetevirens (Urtica laetevirens) — botanical photograph
Pl. 0486 — Urtica laetevirens
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I

Overview

Urtica laetevirens, commonly known as slender stinging nettle, is a perennial herb that thrives in moist environments with light to heavy soils. Native to regions including China North-Central and South-Central, Inner Mongolia, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Khabarovsk, and Primorye, this plant can grow up to 1 meter tall. It is known for its edible shoots, making it a valuable resource in areas where it grows. One distinctive feature of Urtica laetevirens is its preference for light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soils with a pH range of 6.5–7. Its presence in these diverse habitats contributes to the plant's adaptability and ecological significance.

Quick answers

What is Urtica laetevirens?

Urtica laetevirens, commonly known as slender stinging nettle, is a perennial herb that thrives in moist environments with light to heavy soils. Native to regions including China North-Central and South-Central, Inner Mongolia, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Khabarovsk, and Primorye, this plant can grow up to 1 meter tall.

What is Urtica laetevirens used for?

Traditionally used for topical & skin, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.

Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Urtica laetevirens
Jump to full evidence →
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
II

Benefits & evidence

2 claims · traditional-use context
Traditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
  • Urtica laetevirens is traditionally used in topical applications to support skin health. A poultice or salve made from the plant may help soothe irritated skin.

    The mechanism involves compounds such as quercetin and other flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce irritation and redness.

    ▲ ModerateTopical & skin →
  • Urtica laetevirens, like other Urtica species, has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support immune function. A decoction of the plant may help maintain a healthy inflammatory response.

    The mechanism is not fully characterised but likely involves compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids that have anti-inflammatory properties.

    ▲ ModerateImmune support →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Urtica laetevirens support blend
general
tea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Urtica laetevirens thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 6.5 to 7. It is hardy in temperate regions and can be found naturally in China North-Central, South-Central, Inner Mongolia, Japan, Khabarovsk, Korea, Manchuria, and Primorye. This perennial plant grows up to 1 meter tall and produces edible shoots. For best results, provide it with partial shade or light exposure, as its light requirement is moderate (5/10). Regular watering is essential for its growth. Propagate through division in spring or from seed sown in early summer.
Light
5/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers

How to grow Urtica laetevirens for the first time

8steps

Start with planting Urtica laetevirens in a well-prepared soil and follow basic care instructions for success.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A packet of seeds or young plants, a garden fork, compost, and mulch.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in early spring or late autumn when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a location with light to medium soil that drains well. Ensure the pH is between 6.5 and 7.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds in rows, covering them lightly with soil. Alternatively, transplant young plants into prepared beds.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist during germination. Water regularly to maintain moisture but avoid overwatering.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting regular pruning, not mulching properly, and failing to provide enough light.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Shoots
Edible uses: The shoots of Urtica laetevirens are edible and can be prepared in various ways. They are typically harvested young and tender for consumption. The shoots can be eaten raw or cooked, often added to soups or stir-fries. Occasionally, they may also be dried for later use.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

85 native · 51 introduced
Distribution across4 continents· 85 native· 51 introduced
Europe25 regions
native (25)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia15 regions
native (14)AfghanistanChinaIndiaIranIraqJapanKazakhstanMongoliaNepalPakistanSouth KoreaTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistan
introduced (1)Georgia
Americas6 regions
introduced (6)BoliviaColombiaEcuadorGreenlandGuatemalaUnited States
Africa5 regions
native (3)AlgeriaMoroccoTunisia
introduced (2)EritreaLibya
Broader regions
native:Altay, Amur, Baltic States, Buryatiya, Chita, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., East Himalaya, Føroyar, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Magadan, Primorye, Sakhalin, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Tuva, West Himalaya, Yakutskiya, Yugoslavia
introduced:Alabama, Argentina Northeast, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, British Columbia, California, Cape Provinces, Chile Central, Chile South, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Falkland Is., Florida, Maine, Maryland, Masachusettes, Michigan, Missouri, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Newfoundland, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Québec, Svalbard, Tennessee, Tristan da Cunha, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Urtica laetevirens (Urtica laetevirens) — botanical photograph
Urtica laetevirens (Urtica laetevirens)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

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