[Previous Wildflower] [GHS Week #3 Wildflowers] [Next Wildflower]
#30. Stinging Nettles

Urtica dioica

Family:

Nettle Family

Habitat:

Moist shady places

Characteristics:

1. Tiny flowers in axis of opposite leaves. Stems may grow to six feet.

2. Hollow hairs on stems and leaves pierce your skin to release formic acid which stings!

Uses:

1. Young leaves, high in vitamin C, may be cooked for spinach-like greens.

2. Northwest Indians and Europeans used stem fibers for paper, woven cloth, mats and basketry.

3. Red Elderberry leaves can be crushed and rubbed to sooth the sting from an encounter with this plant. The two plants often grow in the same habitat.

[Previous Wildflower] [GHS Week #3 Wildflowers] [Next Wildflower]
Slichter