Native Habitat:
Moist forests, riparian corridors, floodplains, streambanks, wet meadows, and nutrient-rich disturbed soils. In the Pacific Northwest, it is widespread in the Willamette Valley and often forms dense colonies where soil moisture and fertility are high.
 
Bloom Time:
June – September
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Perennial herb, typically 2–6 feet tall, spreading by vigorous rhizomes to form colonies. Upright stems carry opposite, sharply toothed, lance-shaped leaves covered with hollow stinging hairs. Small greenish flowers are produced in branching clusters beneath the leaves.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, fertile soils rich in nitrogen and organic matter. Tolerates clay and seasonally wet soils and can grow in partial shade beneath trees and shrubs.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Osmorhiza berteroi
Ligusticum apiifolium
Symphoricarpos albus
Spiraea douglasii
Tolmiea menziesii
Tellima grandiflora
 
Urban Garden Function:
An exceptionally valuable wildlife-supporting plant for larger habitat gardens, restoration sites, and woodland edges, although its aggressive spreading habit and stinging foliage make it inappropriate for areas with frequent human contact. Where it can be safely contained, it creates dense vegetation that provides food and shelter for a remarkably diverse insect community.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Stinging nettle is an important host plant for numerous butterfly and moth caterpillars, including the red admiral (Vanessa atalanta), comma butterflies (Polygonia spp.), and several species of anglewing and tortoiseshell butterflies. Its foliage also supports specialized aphids, beetles, leafhoppers, and other herbivorous insects. The insects attracted to nettle colonies provide food for insect-eating birds, spiders, predatory beetles, and amphibians. Mature stands also provide dense cover for small wildlife and nesting habitat near woodland edges.
 
Historical Use:
Stinging nettle has an extensive history of use by Indigenous peoples and other cultures. Young shoots were traditionally prepared as food after cooking, which removes the sting, while the strong fibers of mature stems were used for cordage, fishing nets, clothing, and other woven materials. The plant has also been used medicinally. Fresh plants should never be handled casually because the hairs can cause painful skin irritation.
 
Seed Germination:
Collect mature seeds as the flower clusters dry and sow them on the surface of a moist, well-drained seed-starting medium. Do not bury the seed deeply; press it lightly into the surface and cover only very lightly if necessary. Keep the medium consistently moist at approximately 60–70°F (16–21°C). Germination can occur within several weeks but may be uneven. A short period of cold-moist stratification, approximately 30 days, can improve germination for some seed lots. Transplant young seedlings carefully once they have developed several true leaves. Wear gloves when handling older seedlings and established plants because the stinging hairs become effective early in development.