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Urtica thunbergiana

Urtica thunbergianafam. Urticaceae
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Urtica thunbergiana (Urtica thunbergiana) — botanical photograph
Pl. 3098 — Urtica thunbergiana
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Overview

Urtica thunbergiana, commonly known as Thunberg's nettle, is a perennial plant native to regions including China (North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast), Inner Mongolia, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, and parts of Russia such as Khabarovsk and Primorye. This plant thrives in moist, light soil that can be sandy, medium, or clayey, reaching a height of about 0.8 meters. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, it is also used medicinally and for its utility in compost, dye, fiber, hair, and animal feed. Thunberg's nettle is adaptable to both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile addition to gardens in appropriate climates. While the plant is not typically recommended for medicinal use without professional guidance, its leaves and shoots can be harvested for culinary purposes.

Quick answers

What is Urtica thunbergiana?

Urtica thunbergiana, commonly known as Thunberg's nettle, is a perennial plant native to regions including China (North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast), Inner Mongolia, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, and parts of Russia such as Khabarovsk and Primorye.

Compare with:Boehmeria tricuspis→California nettle→Stinging Nettle→all comparisons →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

2 drafts
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Evening Calm
sleep
tea
Traditional bedtime infusion.
Gentle Digest
digestion
tea
Historically used for digestive support.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Urtica thunbergiana thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial grows to about 0.8 meters and is hardy in temperate regions. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist. Propagate through division or seed sowing. The plant is both edible and medicinal, with its leaves and shoots being the edible parts.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.8 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Urtica thunbergiana for the first time

8steps

Start with Skip by ensuring you have the right conditions and care, making it a manageable project for beginners.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A small patch of light to partial sun, moist soil, and a container or garden space that can accommodate a plant up to 0.8 meters tall.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant Skip in early spring when the ground is workable, or in late summer for cooler climates.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure your soil is well-draining but moisture-retentive. For containers, use a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils to mimic its native conditions.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant Skip from seedlings or directly sow seeds in the soil after the last frost. Space plants about 0.5 meters apart for good growth.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist and provide light shade if direct sunlight is intense to prevent leaf scorching.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Fertilize sparingly with compost or organic matter.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune Skip in late winter before new growth starts to encourage a bushier shape and remove any dead or damaged parts.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in full sun, not providing enough shade, using chemical fertilizers, and neglecting regular pruning.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: Drink
Other uses:CompostDyeFiberHairAnimal feed
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

12 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 12 native
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwan
Broader regions
native:Khabarovsk, Primorye
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Urtica thunbergiana (Urtica thunbergiana) — botanical photograph
Urtica thunbergiana (Urtica thunbergiana)
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See also

8 related
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Explore further

XII

About this entry

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