Nettle

Pollen Type: Weed

Cross-Reactivity: None

HS Allergy Extract: Nettle

Family: Urticaceae

Genus/Species: Urtica dioica

Common Names: Stinging Nettle

Distribution: Widely distributed throughout the United States, except Hawaii.

Locations: Thrives in damp, nitrogen rich soil along rivers, streams, at the margin of woodlands and in other well-fertilized soil.

Pollination Method: Self-pollinated through seeds and rhizomes.

Pollinating Period: Spring into Fall depending on lattitude and elevation

Description: Nettle is an herbaceous perennial flowering shrub that grows 3’-7’ tall. It spreads through creeping rootstalks (rhizomes) and the stems, which grow right below the surface (stolons), are upright and rigid. The soft 1”-6” leaves are heart-shaped, finely toothed, and taper to a point at the end. Its flowers are white, yellow, or pink. The entire plant is covered with tiny fine spiny hairs, particularly on the underside of the leaves and stems. The hairs act like needles when touched, releasing painful chemicals and causing skin irritation.

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