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Weed Identification

Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Science Virginia Cooperative Extension

stinging nettle

Family

Urticaceae

Scientific Name

Urtica dioica
Weed photograph 1
Weed photograph 2
Weed photograph 3
Weed photograph 4
Weed photograph 5

Leaves

Leaves: Arranged oppositely along the stem, occurring on petioles. Leaves are egg-shaped to lanceolate in outline with serrated or toothed leaf margins. Mature leaves are mostly without hairs, except for the long hairs capable of 'stinging' humans that occur on the lower leaf surface. Younger leaves usually have both short hairs and the longer 'stinging' hairs on the upper leaf surfaces. Long, pointed stipules occur in the area between the stems and leaf petioles.

Identifying Characteristics

A perennial weed that is perhaps most notably known for the skin irritation that this weed causes when contacted. The hairs and spines on the leaves and stems of this weed release formic acid when touched, which gives a burning or stinging sensation to humans. Stinging nettle is primarily a weed of landscapes, orchards, pastures, and roadsides. This weed reproduces by seed and rhizomes, which are underground stems that are capable or generating new plants. A perennial with rhizomes, lanceolate leaves with toothed margins, erect usually unbranched stems, and fairly long 'stinging' hairs. These characteristics help to distinguish it from most other weed species.

Flower Seed Head

Stems: Erect, reaching 6 1/2 feet in height, usually unbranched. Stems are angled and have long, 'stinging' hairs. Roots: Rhizomes. Flowers: Relatively inconspicuous and green to yellowish in color. Flowers occur in clusters that arise from the area between the stem and leaf petioles (leaf axils).

Seed Fruit

An achene.

Where Found

Stinging nettle is found throughout most of the United States.

Growth Habit

upright and nonwoody

Thorns or Spines

not present

Dominant Flower Color

green

Flower Symmetry

not symmetrical

Leaf Hairs

has hairs

Leaf Shape

triangle

Leaf Arrangement

opposite

Leaf Margin

serrated

Leaf Structure

simple

Leaf Stalk

shorter than leaf

Stem Hairs

has hairs

Stem Cross Section

round or oval

Milky Sap

not present

Root Structure

rhizomes present

Life Cycle

perennial

Ochrea

not present

Plant Type

Herb