American Stinging Nettle
Other Names: Slender Nettle, Tall Nettle
Family: Urticaceae
Native to: Eastern North America, Interior North America, Western North America
Hardy to zone: 4
Eco benefits: attracts pollinators, medicinal, edible parts
Natural habitat: understory, inner forests, forest edge
Height: 2-5ft
Common uses: naturalized plantings, shade garden
Light: partial shade
Soil: moist and fertile, well drained, tolerates heavy clay, ph adaptable, sandy
Reproduction type: monoacious
American stinging nettle is our native version of the popular stinging nettle Urtica dioica from Europe, but taller and with fewer stinging hairs. Can be found in the rich soils of old growth forests. It's a host for many native butterflies and offers the same medical benefits its close cousin does.
