Nettle

Nettle is a common name for plants in the family Urticaceae. The most well-known member of this family is the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), but the term can refer to any plant in the Urticaceae family that has stinging hairs. These plants are found worldwide, but are most common in the northern hemisphere.

Description

Nettles are herbaceous perennials that grow in dense clusters. They can reach heights of up to 2 meters. The leaves are heart-shaped, with serrated edges, and are covered in tiny, hollow hairs that can inject a mixture of histamine, acetylcholine, serotonin, and other chemicals when touched, causing a stinging sensation.

Uses

Nettles have a long history of use in medicine, food, and fiber production. In medicine, they have been used to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, allergies, and eczema. They are also a common ingredient in herbal teas. In food, they can be cooked and eaten like spinach, and are a good source of vitamin C and iron. The fibers from the stems can be used to make cloth, rope, and paper.

Species

There are about 80 species of nettles, including:

• Urtica dioica - stinging nettle
• Urtica urens - small nettle
• Urtica ferox - tree nettle

See also

• List of plants with the same or similar names
• List of companion plants

External links

• Britannica - Nettle

Nettle Resources
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