Stinging Nettle
November 21, 2022
By Adam Huggins
Stinging Nettle
Urtica dioica
- Hul’qumi’num Name: tth’uxtth’ux
- Description: Herbaceous perennial up to 200 cm, spreading by underground rhizomes. Leaves and stems are covered with hollow hairs (trichomes) which delvier a powerful sting.
- Habitat: Moist to mesic thickets, streambanks, deciduous woodlands, and open sites.
- Harvest: Stem tips, leaves, seeds, and rhizomes. Harvest stems and leaves prior to flowering and seeding.
- Edibility: Stems and leaves are delicious in a variety of dishes, and can be eaten raw or cooked after processing.
- Fun Fact: This highly nutritious and versatile herb is also an important larval food source for several native butterflies.