About
A herbaceous perennial with spreading roots and creeping horizontal stems able to form large, patches of upright stems, to 1.5m tall, with dark green foliage. Cream or brownish-green, catkin-like flowers are produced from the leaf axils from late spring to early autumn. Leaves and stems are covered in stinging and non-stinging hairs.
About the genus
A genus of annual or perennial flowering plants with arrow-shaped, serrated green foliage and small clusters of greenish-brown flowers. Many species have stinging hairs on the leaves. The foliage can be used for making tea and for medicinal purposes, and the plants provide valuable food and shelter for wildlife
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Matforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toCosmopolitan
ToxicitySkin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten and via skin, skin/eye irritant - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationMay be planted for wildlife value and thrives in nitrogen-rich, moist but well-drained soil in a sunny position, but will grow almost anywhere. Self-seeds freely and can be difficult to control or eradicate, but is an important source of food for caterpillars and butterflies. See stinging nettles for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationSpreads naturally by spreading roots and horizontal stems, and by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free