Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica

Illustration: Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)

Illustration: Nettle stinging hairs (macro)

Identification: Tall patches of opposite toothed heart-shaped leaves on square-ish stems; every leaf and stem armed with stinging hairs. Sting first, identify always.

Dangerous look-alikes: No edible look-alike stings — the sting IS the ID. (White deadnettle looks similar but doesn't sting and is also edible.)

Edible parts: Young spring tops (before flowering).

Season and habitat: Spring. Rich moist soil, barnyards, stream banks.

Preparation: ALWAYS cook or dry first — heat destroys the sting. Sauté like spinach, blend into soup, or dry for tea. Among the most nutritious greens on earth: iron, calcium, protein.

Notes: Cross-reference: the full nettle entry (remedy + foraging) is in the main chapters — this plate reuses that illustration.

nettle