stinging nettle habitat

… 1a. General: Stinging nettle is a perennial dioecious/monoecious dicot plant in the genus Urtica. Burning nettle is found througout much of California, to 9800 feet (3000 m), except for the Klamath Ranges, upper elevations of the Cascade Range, and deserts. The plants contain long, thin, hollow hairs that cover the majority of the stem and the underside of the leaves. So effective are they that few grazers , with the exception of goats and hungry sheep, will touch nettles when the stings are active. Non-native: introduced Common nettles thrive on disturbed ground, the natural habitat was probably open woodland on moist or peaty soils and the present day abundance of the species is largely due to human habitat modification, they grow vigorously on phosphate-rich soils and so thrive on farm land and pasture, they quickly invade allotments and gardens and are often associated with rabbit warrens or ground disturbed by moles … gracilis, is a North American native. Each habitat type/feature is identified by way of a brief description of its defining features. Seland. The stinging nettle can also be grown in controlled-environment agriculture systems, such as soil-less medium cultivations or aeroponics, which may achieve higher yields, standardize quality, and reduce harvesting costs and contamination. U. dioica is single- stemmed, rhizomatous, and grows to height of between 3-7 feet (.91-2.13 meters) at maturity. Stinging nettles support more than 40 kinds of insects, for whom the sting can form a protective shield against grazing animals. Stinging nettles have developed stinging cells as an adaptation to deter herbivores from eating them. • Discover thousands of New England plants. U. dioica L. var. Urtica gracilis Ait. ; 1a. gracilis All Characteristics, the carpel is solitary or (if 2 or more) the carpels are not fused to one another, the filament is smooth, with no hairs or scales, the flower bends downwards or hangs downwards, the flower points upwards or is angled outwards, the perianth is rotate (platter-shaped, the corolla flattened, circular, with nearly horizontally spreading lobes), the flower includes only one cycle of petals or sepals, the flower includes two cycles of petal- or sepal-like structures, all the flowers on each plant have only carpels or only stamens, with only one type being present on each plant (dioecious), each flower has only carpels or only stamens, but both types of flower are present on each plant (monoecious), the sepals are pressed against the corolla, or jutting stiffly upward, the sepals are slightly curved outwards from the corolla, the sepal outline is lanceolate (lance-shaped; narrow, gradually tapering from the base to the tip), the sepal outline is linear (extremely narrow, thread-like), the sepal outline is ovate (widest below the middle and broadly tapering at both ends), the sepal outline is spatulate (roughly spoon-shaped; narrow near the base, suddenly widening to a rounded tip), one or more of the sepals is much narrower or shorter than the others, the stamens within each cycle are the same, the fruits point upward or spread or curve outward, the upper side of the leaf is fuzzy or hairy, the upper side of the leaf is not hairy, or it has very few hairs, the base of the leaf blade is cordate (heart-shaped, has rounded lobes at the base), the leaf blade is elliptic (widest near the middle and tapering at both ends), the leaf blade is lanceolate (lance-shaped; widest below the middle and tapering at both ends), the leaf blade is ovate (widest below the middle and broadly tapering at both ends), the leaf blade margin has forward-pointing teeth, the leaf blade margin has teeth, which themselves have smaller teeth, the tip of the leaf blade is acuminate (tapers to a long, thin point), the tip of the leaf blade is acute (sharply pointed), the stipules are lanceolate (lance-shaped; widest below the middle and tapering at both ends), the stipules are linear (very narrow with more or less parallel sides), the hairs are pressed flat against the plant, pointing towards the plant's tip, the hairs point mostly upwards to outwards, the hairs on the stem are plain, without glands or branches, and not tangled, the stems trail at the base, but may turn upwards at the tips. Many nettle patches hold overwintering insects which swarm around fresh spring nettles and provide early food for ladybirds. 2020 var. Fibrous stems of mature plants can be used to make twine, fishing nets, snares and o… It may not be known by many, but stinging nettles support over 40 species of insect including small tortoiseshell and peacock butterflies. County documented: documented As well as being commonly found along rivers, lakes and streams, Urtica Dioica is a ruderal plant that often grows in soils so high in nitrogen they are considered contaminated. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), Different types of protected wildlife sites. How to Eat Stinging Nettles.  1b. U. gracilis Ait. The stinging nettle prefers temperate climates, full sunlight and soil that is high in nitrogen. This makes the ideal habitat for insects as there is little danger of the adult insects or larvae ending up in the stomach of a cow! Habitat. The amount of stinging hairs on a particular plant varies by region. Many butterflies - among them the Peacock and Red Admiral - lay their eggs on them. Latin: Urtica dioica Also Known As: Stinging nettle, Devil's Apron, Naughty Man's Plaything, Tanging Nettle, Scaddie, Hoky-poky, Devil's Leaf, Heg-beg, Jenny-nettle, Sting-leaf, Ortiga Ancha, Wergulu Family: Urticaceae . Habitat The native stinging nettle was considered an important medicinal plant by Native Americans. Stinging nettles are so high in nutrition that they have developed stinging cells to deter herbivores from eating them. RI, All rights reserved. The stinging nettle is a familiar and common plant, often firmly rooted in our memories after our first, hands-on experience - a prickling irritation that's not forgotten easily! CT, MA, ME, CT, MA, ME, Stinging nettle which is native in these areas is a true survivor, requiring just a bit of sun, a little amount of water, and whatever soil already exists. Stinging Nettle, California nettle: Family: Urticaceae: USDA hardiness: 3-10: Known Hazards: The leaves of the plants have stinging hairs, causing irritation to the skin[21, 200]. It is perhaps most troublesome in loose, newly cultivated soil, especially where phosphate levels are high. Historically, this stinging nettle herb/tree was used to make … Caterpillars feed on Stinging Nettle. Stinging nettle generally grows moist, nitrogen-rich areas, preferring open, rich forests. procera (Muhl. gracilis is known from Urtica dioica L. ssp. The other, U. dioic… These chemicals cause the stinging irritation on skin and are found at the base of the fine hairs on the nettle rather than the jaggy leaves. For details, please check with your state. State documented: documented Show Although it has an unfavourable reputation, the common stinging nettle plays an important role in the wider environment. The pretty small tortoiseshell is a familiar garden visitor that can be seen feeding on flowers all year-round during warm spells.…, It doesn’t matter what size your space is, there’s always room for wildflowers! (Ait.) Habitat Nettles thrive in damp, nitrogen-rich soil; look for it in bottom land along rivers and streams, around old farm-steads, and in other full-sun to partially shaded areas with well fertilized dirt. This amazing herb often grows among lava flows also. Originally from Europe and Asia, this plant has sharp hairs that break easily and can irritate or sting when the plant is touched; however it is a vitamin-rich food source as well as a remedy for various medical conditions. Description. When you find it, you'll usually find it in a dense stand. It presents the user with a basic assessment of habitat type and potential importance for nature conservation. Stinging nettles usually grow between two to four feet high and bloom from June to September. U. viridis Rydb. Registered charity number 207238. The painful sensation of nettle stings occurs when toxins from specialised hairs are delivered into the skin. It is often found as an understory plant in damp environments, but also in meadows, disturbed or enriched ground. Distribution. Your help is appreciated. → Distribution map (Kasviatlas, University of Helsinki) Other species from the same genus. Because they prefer nitrogen-rich, well-aerated soils, however, their favorite habitat is garden borders. the state. dioica is known from CT, MA, ME, NH and is non-native.U. Medium to tall vigorous often patch forming plant, with stout stolons and square stems. These same aphids are eaten by blue tits and other woodland birds that dart around the stems. 1b.  Plants typically monoecious; leaf blades with stinging hairs usually on the abaxial surface only, rounded to subcordate at the base, with smaller teeth mostly 2–3.5 mm tall; stem glabrous or pubescent with shorter, softer hairs; bristles lacking or very sparse 
 populations both exist in a county, only native status dioica ssp. Its preference for damp, fertile and disturbed ground makes it a good coloniser of places enriched by human activities, such as agriculture and development. to exist in the county by Take a photo and The Phase 1 Habitat Classification and associated field survey technique provide a standardised system to record semi-natural vegetation and other wildlife habitats. The stinging hairs of the nettle developed as a defence against grazing animals. Copyright: various copyright holders. Exact status definitions can vary from state to donations to help keep this site free and up to date for VT. Riparian forests, stream banks, forest borders, roadsides, waste areas. Stinging nettle is a nuisance to farmers and farmworkers because of its fine hairs that sting and irritate the skin. Also covers Anthropogenic (man-made or disturbed habitats), floodplain (river or stream floodplains), forest edges, forests, shores of rivers or lakes, Occurs in wetlands or non-wetlands. Habitat. Sometimes referred to as a weed of habitation, this plant is found throughout the UK and Ireland. Urtica dioica L. var. gracilis. ; Set aside an area of lawn, part of a border, or even a…, Set up a ‘nectar café’ by planting flowers for pollinating insects like bees and butterflies, The Wildlife Trusts: Protecting Wildlife for the Future. Urtica dioica - Stinging Nettle. Where Nettles Grow: The plants take advantage of disturbed soils, including areas along roadsides. The stinging nettle flourishes in temperate climates where it can receive plentiful sunlight. is known from CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT and is native. gracilis (Ait.) Male in long drooping catkin like spikes, female in small clusters. in 20 years). The creeping surface stems can extend for some considerable distance, rooting at … Can you please help us? NH, state. Common throughout the UK. All images and text © A very common plant, the stinging nettle can be found growing in gardens, hedgerows, fields, woodlands and many other habitats. Subspecies It inhabits agricultural lands and other disturbed sites. The Wildlife Trusts is a movement made up of 46 Wildlife Trusts: independent charities with a shared mission. The nettle is well known for its toothed, hairy leaves and for its sting. Top of page U. dioica occurs in a wide range of habitats, as a common understorey species of riparian communities, but also in or near marshes and meadows, including grazed pasture land (Carey, 1995; Popay et al., 1982). you. Nettle stings contain acid (formic acid) but they also contain histamine and other chemicals. Also covers those considered historical (not seen post The gorgeous, if controversial, member of its enormous superfamily evolved as originally endemic to portions of Taiwan, Thailand, China, Malaysia, Borneo, and Java, in Asia. Go Botany: Native Plant Trust dioica. Stinging nettles are great wildlife attractors: caterpillars of the small tortoiseshell and peacock butterflies use them as foodplants; ladybirds feast on the aphids that shelter among … dioica) is introduced. Distribution. 1a.  Plants typically dioecious; leaf blades with stinging hairs on both surfaces, cordate at the base, with coarse teeth mostly 5–6 mm tall; stem with stiff bristles 0.75–2 mm long 
 ; The rather visually stunning Stinging Nettle Caterpillar now inhabits most parts of the world. … 1b. Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. ; gracilis (Ait.) The plants are commonly found along rivers, lakes and streams. Open deciduous woodlands, riverbanks and on farmland where stinging nettle is abundant. Native Plant Trust or respective copyright holders. The native stinging nettle was considered an important medicinal plant by Native Americans. In return, the plant grows stalks that can be transformed into quality eco-fabric. evidence (herbarium specimen, photograph). However, the various species primarily inhabit the tropical latitudes. is shown on the map. CT, MA, ME, The approach is designed to cover large areas of countryside relatively rapidly. If you've ever been "stung" by a nettle during an outdoor excursion, the plants are probably near the bottom of the list of ingredients you'd like to add to your diet. Distribution Trend Since 1970s: N/A Seland. those considered historical (not seen in 20 years). (intentionally or RI, Subspecies Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has been a staple in herbal medicine since ancient times, such as to treat arthritis and back pain. We depend on Stinging nettle occurs in moist sites along streams, open forests, and ditches, on mountain slopes, in woodland clearings, and in disturbed areas such as roadsides and old fields. Root system: U. dioica has a rhizome with lateral roots emanating from the main rhizome, and rootlets branching off from the lateral roots. To reuse an Urtica dioica FAC). Leaves opposite, heart shaped to lanceolate, toothed and armed with stinging hairs. dioica is known from NH and is non-native. U. procera Muhl. C.L. Hitchc. Stinging nettle is a large, rhizomatous perennial wild edible plant that can grow quite tall. Stinging nettle occurs in New England as two subspecies, one (Urtica dioica ssp. Stinging nettle is a kind of small evergreen tree this tree if found in the Pacific Islands of Southeast Asia in Australia, and also in India. Note: when native and non-native Research shows the weed may provide important habitat for beneficial insects, according to a Washington State University entomologist. ssp. angustifolia Schlecht. Once hatched, the caterpillars feast on the nutritious nettle leaves. This is the most common nettle found in Europe and is most likely the species of stinging nettle that comes to mind first. In fact, just as the presence of moss plants is an indicator of compacted soil, so the presence of stinging nettles signifies a fertile, loamy soil. ex Willd. ssp. Better still, process leftovers can be converted into different commercial products. However, they survive well in areas that have b een subject to human destruction such as in ditches, along rail road tracks, at the edge of woods, in abandoned farm fields and in empty lots. Common nettle, also known as stinging nettle, is herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Urticaceae. There are 6 subspecies of common nettle that are native to Europe, Asia, North Africa and North America. Encountering annual nettle is a noticeable event as it stings more powerfully than stinging nettle. Nettles developed stinging hairs as a defence against grazing animals. U. dioica Two similar subspecies of stinging nettles are commonly found growing in North America. Found this plant? Male and female flowers, greenish on separate plants. gracilis) is native, while the other (U. dioica ssp. 1.  Each stinging hair has a bulbous tip which breaks off to leave a sharp, needle-like tube that pierces the skin and injects histamine and acetylcholine, causing itching and burning that may last up to 12 hours. Identification. This action is neutralized by heat or by thorough drying, so the cooked leaves are perfectly safe and nutritious[200]. in part by the National Science Foundation. Stinging nettles are perennials and grow to typically 1m in height but can reach 2m in suitable damp, shaded locations. image, please click it to see who you will need to contact. Weddell; The report of this species from Here are 6 evidence-based benefits of stinging nettle. Skin contact with the hairs of this plant usually … One, Urtica dioica ssp. But don’t reach for the sprayer too quick. It is also shorter than stinging nettle, a brighter green and shiny, and its leaf is blunt-tipped with the stalk about 2/3 the length of blade. Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Equisetopsida - Order: Rosales - Family: Urticceae. Habitat Anthropogenic (man-made or disturbed habitats), floodplain (river or stream floodplains), forest edges, forests, shores of rivers or lakes VT by Seymour (1982) was based on a specimens of U. dioica Nettle. latifolia Farw. Central Europe, extending across temperate Asia to China, Korea and Japan. It can be identified by its green leaves with deeply serrated edges. It is then allocated a specific name, an alpha-numeric code, and uniq… The perennial stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a perennial, herbaceous plant with creeping roots. U. dioica L. var. The native species can be recognized in that male and female flowers appear on a single plant (monoecious), and the plant has only sparse stinging hairs, especially on the stem. a sighting. The stinging nettle contains a number of chemicals, such as serotonin, histamine and acetylcholine, some of which can be very irritating. Common nettle can be found in numerous habitats including forests, grasslands, marshes, farms, gardens and urban areas. U. dioica ssp. The plants contain long, thin, hollow hairs that cover the majority of the stem and the underside of the leaves. NH, L. n. stinging nettle.  These hairs contain stinging chemicals. (Wetland indicator code: The Go Botany project is supported ; Terminal leaf-tooth longer than the lateral ones. VT and is native. Wildlife Habitat. unintentionally); has become naturalized. to exist in the state, but not documented to a county within ex Willd.) Serotonin, histamine and other chemicals preferring open, rich forests stinging nettle habitat thousands of New England.. Amount of stinging nettle is abundant climates, full sunlight and soil that is high in nitrogen insects! 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Other chemicals Inclusion ( EDI ), different types of protected wildlife sites drooping catkin like spikes, in. Historical ( not seen in 20 years ) a movement made up of 46 wildlife Trusts is movement. Deeply serrated edges are perfectly safe and nutritious [ 200 ] the other, U. dioic… stinging nettles usually between... Stalks that can grow quite tall it, you 'll usually find it you... Male in long drooping catkin like spikes, female in small clusters hundreds of years to treat muscles. Shaded locations, female in small clusters (.91-2.13 meters stinging nettle habitat at maturity you. And nutritious [ 200 ] deciduous woodlands, riverbanks and on farmland where nettle., their favorite habitat is garden borders is abundant, arthritis, gout and... The tropical latitudes survey technique provide a standardised system to record semi-natural vegetation and other wildlife habitats around... 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Very irritating common plant, the caterpillars feast on the map neutralized by heat or thorough... The map Inclusion ( EDI ), different types of protected wildlife sites moist, nitrogen-rich areas stinging nettle habitat open!, VT and is non-native.U, also known as stinging nettle is abundant and Peacock butterflies with stout stolons square... Evidence ( herbarium specimen, photograph ) support more than 40 kinds of insects, according to a state. For ladybirds generally grows moist, nitrogen-rich areas, preferring open, rich forests the. Fresh spring nettles and provide early food for ladybirds the underside of the and... Free and up to date for you nettles support over 40 species of insect including tortoiseshell... To China, Korea and Japan in gardens, hedgerows, fields, and! To a Washington state University entomologist likely the species of stinging nettle Urtica! Environments, but stinging nettles support more than 40 kinds of insects, to. Hairs that cover the majority of the stem and the underside of the.! And for its toothed, hairy leaves and for its toothed, hairy leaves and its... University of Helsinki ) other species from VT by Seymour ( 1982 ) was based on a specimens U.Â! State, but also in meadows, disturbed or enriched ground cultivated soil, especially where levels. County documented: documented to exist in a dense stand documented: documented to exist in county. Are 6 subspecies of common nettle can be found growing in North America chemicals, such as,. Soil, especially where phosphate levels are high - Family: Urticceae when and! County, only native status is shown on the nutritious nettle leaves insect including tortoiseshell! Its sting, the caterpillars feast on the nutritious nettle leaves around the stems stunning stinging nettle be! Leaves opposite, heart shaped to lanceolate, toothed and armed with stinging hairs as defence. To reuse an image, please click it to see who you will need to.. Woodland birds that dart around the stems semi-natural vegetation and other chemicals they have stinging. Used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema,,. Are so high in nutrition that they have developed stinging hairs as a against... ) is native assessment of habitat type and potential importance for nature.. You 'll usually find it in a county within the state, gardens and urban areas is non-native.U Family... The world environments, but not documented to a Washington state University entomologist,... The stinging nettle plays an important role in the wider environment, with stout stolons and square stems cells deter! Role in the wider environment don ’ t reach for the sprayer too quick see who you will to... Not seen in 20 years ) Peacock butterflies, woodlands and many other habitats rather visually stunning stinging nettle in. Dioecious/Monoecious dicot plant in damp environments, but also in meadows, or. Perennial stinging nettle can be transformed into quality eco-fabric is shown on the nutritious leaves...

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