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
Nettles
colorful trait badgeherbivorous trait badgeforest trait badgepollinator trait badge
Nettles

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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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

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 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

How is Nettles pollinated?

Wind

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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