Heartleaf Nettle is a native annual nettle of moist, shaded forests in the southeastern United States, distinguished from Stinging Nettle by its smaller size, more delicate stature, and heart-shaped to broadly ovate leaves. It grows in bottomland forests, moist ravines, and woodland edges, often forming small colonies in rich, moist soil. Despite being an annual, it provides the same ecological functions as perennial nettles — supporting butterfly larvae and providing nutritious foliage to browsing wildlife.
Best time to see a Heartleaf Nettle
The best time to see a Heartleaf Nettle is January–March, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,816 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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