Also known as Annual Nettle · Burning Nettle · Dog Nettle
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Small Nettle (Urtica urens) is an annual herb with stinging hairs, native to Europe and Asia. It grows low to the ground and is often found in disturbed soils.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but tolerates partial shade.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
Any well-drained soil
50% intensity
Cool to Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 15-24°C. Tolerates cooler conditions.
Low
25% intensity
Requires minimal fertilization; thrives in fertile soil.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Mildly toxic due to stinging hairs
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Small Nettle prefers consistently moist soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to maintain even moisture. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Check the soil moisture by touch; if the top 2-3 cm feels dry, it's time to water.
Pruning is primarily for harvesting or managing its spread. Cut back stems to encourage bushier growth or to gather young leaves.
Regular harvesting of the tops will prevent excessive seeding and maintain a more compact form. Remove any dead or damaged foliage promptly.
Small Nettle readily self-seeds, making propagation easy. Seeds can be collected from mature plants and sown directly into the ground in autumn or early spring.
It can also be propagated from root cuttings taken in early spring, planted in moist soil.
Repotting is rarely necessary for Urtica urens, as it is an annual that readily self-seeds.
If grown in containers and it becomes root-bound, repot in spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Ensure adequate watering after repotting.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Small Nettle (Urtica urens)
Where Small Nettle (Urtica urens) 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 urens |
Similar in genus Urtica
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
