Urtica urens
small nettle
A bushy, upright annual to 75cm, with distinctly toothed leaves and clusters of small, greenish white flowers in summer. Leaves are covered in tiny hairs that can irritate the skin, though young leaves are edible when cooked.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Urticaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Skin 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
- 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
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in full sun, in nitrogen-rich soil. Self-seeds freely and can be difficult to control or eradicate but an important source of food for caterpillars and butterflies. See controlling nettles for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Cut back after flowering to avoid self-seeding
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to some fungal and virus diseases
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.