Also known as Big-Sting Nettle · California Nettle · Common Nettle
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Urtica dioica, the great stinging nettle, is a vigorous herbaceous perennial with stinging hairs. It's an important food source for insects and a traditional medicinal he
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Thrives in sunny locations but tolerates partial shade. Full sun promotes denser growth.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, especially during active growth. Avoid waterlogging.
Rich, moist, well-drained
50% intensity
Hardy
50% intensity
Prefers temperate climates. Tolerant of a wide range of temperatures once established. Protect from extreme frost in very cold regions.
Moderate Feeding
50% intensity
Benefit from balanced fertilizer in spring, especially in poor soil. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Stinging hairs cause irritation upon contact.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Urtica dioica prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its active growth phase. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the soil become waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly in cooler months when growth slows.
Pruning is primarily done to manage the plant's size and to harvest young shoots. Cut back the plant in early spring to encourage new growth, or throughout the growing season as needed.
Harvest young leaves and stems before the plant flowers for the best flavor and texture.
Urtica dioica is easily propagated by seed or by division of established clumps in spring or autumn. Seeds can be sown directly outdoors in spring or started indoors a few weeks prior.
Division involves carefully separating the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each has roots and shoots.
Repotting is rarely necessary for Urtica dioica as it is often grown as a groundcover or in larger containers. If grown in a container, repot when the plant becomes root-bound, typically every 2-3 years, using a larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix in spring.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Great Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Where Great Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Urticaceae |
| Genus | Urtica |
| Species | Urtica dioica |
Similar in genus Urtica
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
