Stinging nettle

Stinging nettle (*Urtica dioica*) is a perennial plant in the nettle family known for its stinging hairs and widespread use as a food, fibre source, and herbal remedy.

Stinging nettle is a perennial herb whose leaves and stems are covered in tiny stinging hairs. It is widely used as a cooked green, an herbal remedy, and a source of fibre, and it grows abundantly in temperate regions including much of Canada.

What it is

Stinging nettle (*Urtica dioica*) is a herbaceous perennial in the nettle family (Urticaceae). It is known for its stinging hairs that cause a temporary rash upon contact. The plant is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia but has spread to nearly all temperate regions, including Canada, where it often grows in disturbed, nutrient-rich soils.

Uses and edibility

Young nettle leaves are edible when cooked, dried, or otherwise processed to neutralize the sting. They are used as a nutritious vegetable in soups, teas, and pestos. Stinging nettle is also used in herbal medicine for conditions such as hay fever, arthritis, and urinary symptoms, and the stems provide a bast fibre for textiles. In Canada, it is foraged as a wild green and sometimes managed as a garden weed.

Why it matters

Stinging nettle is common across Canada and North America, making it a frequently encountered wild plant. Its dual nature — both a nuisance weed and a useful food and medicine — gives it practical significance for foragers, gardeners, and natural-health practitioners. Understanding how to safely handle, harvest, and control it is valuable for anyone spending time outdoors.