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Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis)
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Natural
History |
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Stinging Nettle is a member of the
Nettle Family. It
grows to 9 feet
 in
height and has dark green, triangular leaves with toothed edges that
grow on opposite sides of the stem to 7 inches in length. The plant grows
along streams and near springs at elevations below 9000 feet.
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Stinging Nettles have
stinging hairs, or trichomes which grow on stems and leaves. When brushed, the tip of the trichome breaks off,
leaving a sharp, hypodermic needle-like point that injects chemical
irritants into the skin. Non-stinging hairs are soft and flexible.
Most stings require no treatment other than
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People have used stinging nettles for rheumatism, upset
stomach, fevers, colds, paralysis and numerous other ailments.
Native Americans
helped themselves stay awake at night by whipping themselves with
nettles. Though hard to believe,
stinging nettles are actually edible, especially when
young; they can be boiled and substituted for spinach.
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