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Nettles
ExplorePlants
Nettles
urtica
Nettles are green plants with tiny, stinging hairs that can give a little prick when touched! They attract butterflies and other insects, making them fun to spot in gardens and woods.
Habitat: Nettles commonly grow in gardens, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas.
Appearance
The Nettles has distinctive green, heart-shaped or oval leaves with serrated edges, growing on square stems. It is covered in fine, hair-like stinging bristles that are its most unique visual feature.
KingdomPlantaePhylumCnidariaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyUrticaceaeGenusUrtica
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Ancient Roman soldiers rubbed nettles on themselves to stay warm in cold weather!
Before cotton, people used strong nettle fibers to weave durable clothes and ropes!
Several butterfly caterpillars can only eat nettles, making them vital nurseries!
You can eat nettles like spinach, but only after cooking them to remove the sting!
Special abilities
Ability
Stinging Shield
Nettles has needle-like hairs that inject irritants, helping it defend against hungry animals.
Ability
Fast Spreader
Nettles can quickly spread underground using rhizomes, letting it colonize new areas rapidly.
Ability
Soil Seeker
Nettles can thrive in very rich soils, absorbing many nutrients to help them grow big and strong.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 50-150 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.1-0.2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
Traits
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Common NettleNettle LeafStinging NettleUrtica dioica
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be careful when touching nettles as they can sting!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Nettles?
The easiest way to identify Nettles is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is Nettles?
50-150 cm
How wide does Nettles spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on Nettles?
0.1-0.2 cm
When does Nettles bloom?
Summer
Is Nettles edible?
Yes
Is Nettles toxic?
Mild
What is Nettles's lifecycle?
Perennial
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
Where to spot
Aquarium8 sightings14 species
Oregon, US
Oregon Coast Aquarium
You might spot Sea Otter, Harbor Seal, and Sea Lion.
View guide →
Zoo30 sightings14 species
Utah, US
The Living Planet Aquarium
You might spot Great White Shark and Gentoo Penguin.
View guide →
Aquarium29 sightings13 species
England, UK
London Aquarium
You might spot Blacktip Reef Shark, Gentoo Penguin, and Sea Turtle.
View guide →
Aquarium30 sightings11 species
New Mexico, US
Albuquerque Aquarium
You might spot North American River Otter and Sand Tiger Shark.
View guide →
Park47 sightings9 species
Pennsylvania, US
Spring Mill Park
You might spot Paulownia, Asian Lady Beetle, and Spotted Lanternfly.
View guide →
Park1 sightings1 species
British Columbia, CA
Pinecone Burke Provincial Park
You might spot Western Toad, Nettles, and Lady Fern.
View guide →
