Urtica dioica

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Urtica dioica

Also known as: Stinging nettel, California nettel

Images: Google Images

Plant Properties

Layer: Herb layer, Soil

Format: Smal

Height: 1.20 m

Width: 1.00 m

Growth Rate: Fast

Leaf: -

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 3-10

Soil Moisture:
Moist

Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)

pH:
Acid Neutral Basic

Light:
Half shade, Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Leaves, Kleur, Oil, Stem, Juice

Edibility:
(5)

Medicinal:
(5)

Features:
Biomass, Dye, Fibers, Oil, Repellent, Bee plant, Carbon farming

Description

Young nettle leaves are edible and can be added to dishes such as soup or dried for later use. They are very nutritious, rich in minerals, especially iron, and vitamins, particularly vitamins A and C. Only young leaves should be used, as older leaves can be toxic and have a laxative effect. When harvesting, it is important to wear gloves to avoid stings. Cooking or drying the leaves neutralizes the stinging hairs. The dried leaves can be used to make tea with a neutral taste. Additionally, the leaves can serve as a substitute for rennet in plant-based milk. Young nettle shoots are harvested in the spring when they are 15 to 20 cm long. From these shoots, nettle beer can be brewed. Nettle plants are also commercially harvested for chlorophyll, which is used as a green coloring agent (E140) in foods and medicines.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/05

End of Harvest: 30/09

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild	Description
Broussonetia kazinoki Kozo	Broussonetia kazinoki can improve soil structure and fertility, benefiting Urtica dioica.
Morus nigra Black Mulberry	Morus nigra provides shade and attracts beneficial insects, which can aid Urtica dioica growth.
Alnus rubra Red alder	Alnus rubra can fix nitrogen in the soil, improving nutrient availability for Urtica dioica.
Salix fragilis Crack Willow	Salix fragilis helps to retain moisture in the soil, benefiting the growth of Urtica dioica.
Rubus idaeus Raspberry	Rubus idaeus can enhance pollination in the area, thus indirectly supporting Urtica dioica's ecosystem.
Juglans cinerea White Walnut, Butternut	Acer saccharum can provide dappled shade, which is beneficial for the growth conditions of Urtica dioica.
Hyssopus officinalis Hyssop	Hyssopus officinalis attracts pollinators and can enhance the aromatic properties of Urtica dioica.
Fagus sylvatica Beech	Fagus sylvatica provides a good windbreak and enhances biodiversity around Urtica dioica.
Alnus glutinosa European Alder	Alnus glutinosa improves soil quality and provides shelter for Urtica dioica.
Sambucus nigra European elder	Sambucus nigra attracts beneficial insects and provides a nutritious companion for Urtica dioica.