Plot & PetalField ManualAll plants
Stinging Nettle
Urtica dioica L.
Family: UrticaceaeOrigin: Europe, Asia, Africa and western North AmericaZones 4a-10b
- Stings on Contact
- Spreads Into Dense Colonies
- Host Plant for Four Butterflies
Pet & Human Safety
People: Skin irritant to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them
Cats, dogs and horses: not found on the ASPCA lists as far as we read; that is not a clearance, so no verdict is given. People, skin contact: the hairs on leaves and stems cause an intense burning and itching sensation lasting a few minutes (NC State, which rates the plant low severity). Nebraska Extension says the hairs carry formic acid, histamine, acetylcholine, serotonin and other compounds, and advises gloves, a long-sleeved shirt and long trousers when harvesting nettle.
PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.
Poison control
If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.
Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.
Naturalist Lore
Historical Background & Breeding Lore
The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.
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- Hardiness zones
USDA 4a-10b
- Mature size
NC State lists height 3-9 feet and width 1-3 feet. Nebraska Extension says the common Nebraska plant grows 2-3 feet tall, so size varies by place.
How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.
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Botanical Anatomy & Characteristics
How the flowers and leaves are built and which pollinators visit, where we have them.
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Field Doctor
What can go wrong with this plant and what to do about it, where we have them.
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Vintage Plates
Old botanical drawings from public libraries are in the app, for plants where we have them.
Get the app: coming soonSources
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, Urtica dioica (Common Nettle, Stinging Nettle) (read 2026-10-06) (Checked October 2026)
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Yard and Garden: Stinging Nettles (Ted Griess; 22 Aug 2009) (read 2026-10-06) (Checked October 2026)
- Kew Plants of the World Online, Urtica dioica L. (read 2026-10-06) (Checked October 2026)