Key identifying traits
-
Plant stems grow erect 2-9 in
height and are square
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Leaves are opposite and coarsely
toothed
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Leaves have small bristly stinging
hairs covering them
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Flowers form in green clusters in
the axils of the upper leaves
Biology and ecology
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A perennial plant reproducing by
seeds and slow spreading roots forming monocultures
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Stinging nettle is native to our
area
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It is a nuisance to humans due to
the stinging hairs
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It is found mostly in shady moist
areas
-
Stinging nettle grows in areas all
over the world; said to be native in North America, England, North
Africa and many other countries
-
It has many medicinal qualities and
many sites on the internet have it for sale
Control
Prevention
Learn to identify plants; start monitoring early in the season
Biological
No known biological control in our area
Cultural
Plant competitive grass or other cover crops
Mechanical
It cannot be effectively mowed or pulled, but digging or hoeing will
eventually wear out root systems
Chemical the
PNW Weed Management handbook does not have it listed as a problem
weed but other sources list mixtures with either glyphosate (Roundup) or
imazapyr (Habitat or Arsenal) as being effective control for stinging
nettles |
