Much More Than a Burning Nuisance
Urtica dioica, commonly known as the stinging nettle, is a misunderstood species of perennial herb. Native to Europe and much of North America and commonly found along roadways, in empty lots, and near rivers and streams; it is well-known to many people for the small hair-like structures lining the leaves and stem, which inflict a painful sting and itchy rash when it comes into contact with skin. But this so called “nuance of a plant” that grows like a “weed” is actually one of the most nutritious, wild plants in existence. Urtica dioica has been used for centuries as a dye, to weave cloth, for its medicinal properties and as a delicious and nourishing edible green.
For a much deeper dive, please check out: https://blog.ncascades.org/naturalist-notes/two-burning-houses-a-natural-history-of-stinging-nettle/
Uses
In the Garden
- Steeping nettle in a container of water makes a fantastic, nutrient-rich fertilizer with good levels of nitrogen, magnesium, and calcium. Additionally, those pesky hairs become a benefit providing bio-available silica. This is a great way to make use of the woody, fibrous bits that aren’t as tasty.
- Hacking down the aggressive grower and using it as a green mulch around your gardens is another way to leverage and benefit from its substantial biomass.
