Urtica thunbergiana
Urtica thunbergianafam. Urticaceae
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Pl. 3098 — Urtica thunbergiana
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IOverview
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 conditions with 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. Thunberg's nettle is adaptable to both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile addition to gardens in appropriate climates.
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.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Gentle Digest
digestiontea
Historically used for digestive support.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Urtica thunbergiana thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial grows up to 0.8 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, you can use seeds or division of established plants. Harvest the edible leaves and shoots for culinary uses.
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
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
Best time to plant
Plant Skip in early spring when the ground is workable, or in late summer for cooler climates.
- 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
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
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide light shade if direct sunlight is intense to prevent leaf scorching.
- 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
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
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, not providing enough shade, using chemical fertilizers, and neglecting regular pruning.
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 across1 continent· 12 native
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwan
Broader regions
native:Khabarovsk, Primorye
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 (Urticaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Urticaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
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