Stinging Nettle is a widespread perennial herb reaching 3–7 feet tall, with deeply toothed, heart-shaped leaves densely armed with stinging trichomes. It thrives in nitrogen-rich soils near streams, farm edges, and disturbed ground across North America. Despite its sting, it is one of the most ecologically valuable plants in temperate zones, supporting over 40 species of lepidoptera larvae and providing iron-rich early spring greens to Indigenous and settler communities alike. Cooking or drying neutralizes the sting completely.
Best time to see a Stinging Nettle
The best time to see a Stinging Nettle is April–July, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 16,393 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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