Standard deviations are given in brackets. European Stinging Nettle . Cold objects or water reactivate the symptoms. [27] The idea was mentioned by William Camden in his book Britannia of 1586. You can also use nettle for your skin as its astringent property not only helps … A relative of stinging nettles in Australia grows to over 120 feet in height. Stinging nettle is particularly found as an understory plant in wetter environments, but it is also found in meadows. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); DesertUSA Newsletter -- We send articles on hiking, camping and places to explore, as well as animals, wildflower reports, plant information and much more. The sentenced perpetrator of a crime was flogged with stinging nettle, in public, naked, whilst being showered with freezing cold water. [57][58][59] Feeding as little as 6.25 g dry nettle per kg feed is as effective as the synthetic pigments to colour the egg yolk. Modern research demonstrates that it possesses an [20] Dock leaves, which often grow in similar habitats, are regarded as a folk remedy to counteract the sting of a nettle,[21] although there is no evidence of any chemical effect. [citation needed], Nettles have a number of other uses in the vegetable garden, including the potential for encouraging beneficial insects. [45], Nettle stems contain a bast fibre that has been traditionally used for the same purposes as linen and is produced by a similar retting process. [53][57] Nettle contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C), riboflavin (vitamin B2), pantothenic acid, vitamin K1[53] and tocopherols (vitamin E). The invasive U. urens is a classic weed with the widest habitat requirements, sprouting near old dwellings, waste areas and other disturbed sites, generally at elevations below 2300 feet. [42], As Old English stiðe, nettle is one of the nine plants invoked in the pagan Anglo-Saxon Nine Herbs Charm, recorded in 10th century traditional medicine. [22], In Great Britain and Ireland, the stinging nettle (U. dioica subsp. [57] The highest vitamin contents can be found in the leaves.[53]. Facts Stinging nettle occurs in New England as two subspecies, one (Urtica dioica ssp. [15], Urtica dioica produces its inflammatory effect on skin (stinging, burning sensation often called "contact urticaria") both by impaling the skin via spicules – causing mechanical irritation – and by biochemical irritants, such as histamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine, among other chemicals. Formerly, more species were recognised than are now accepted. Young plants were harvested by Native Americans and used as a cooked plant in spring when other food plants were scarce. [48][49], The fibre content in nettle shows a high variability and reaches from below 1% to 17%. Originally native to Europe, nettles can … The metaphor may refer to the fact that if a nettle plant is grasped firmly rather than brushed against, it does not sting so readily, because the hairs are crushed down flat and do not penetrate the skin so easily.[24]. In Denmark, burial shrouds made of nettle fabrics have been discovered that date back to the Bronze Age (3000-2000 BC). Today, it can be found all over the world, but its origins are in the colder regions of Europe and Asia. Medicine: Root and Medicine: Root and boiled leaf decoctions were used to sooth symptoms of rheumatism. Stinging nettle, Urtica dioica, is native to North America, including California and other western U. S. states. Sautéed Stinging Nettles. In North America, it is widely distributed in Canada and the United States, where it is found in every province and state except for Hawaii, and also can be found in northernmost Mexico. This is a bit of a misnomer considering that both sexes of flowers for our subspecies generally grow on the same plant. [39], In the UK, an annual World Nettle Eating Championship draws thousands of people to Dorset, where competitors attempt to eat as much of the raw plant as possible. Heiko Bellmann: Der Neue Kosmos Schmetterlingsführer, Schmetterlinge, Raupen und Futterpflanzen, pg. The leaves and stems are very hairy with non-stinging hairs, and in most subspecies, also bear many stinging hairs (trichomes or spicules), whose tips come off when touched, transforming the hair into a needle that can inject several chemicals causing a painful sting or paresthesia, giving the species its common names: stinging nettle, burn nettle, burn weed, or burn hazel.[3][5][4]. It is a common ingredient in folk medicine because of its high iron content and diuretic properties. The leaves have distinctly serrated edges, with each leaf margin looking like a row of pointed teeth. During the middle ages, monks supposedly flagellated themselves with nettle for penance. Stinging nettle, or Urtica dioica, is an herbaceous perennial that thrives in wet climates and moist soils. Dried and added to food, nettle contains around 40% protein which can help improve the condition of hair. In laying hens, nettle can be used as an egg yolk colorant instead of artificial pigments or other natural pigments (derived from marigold for yellow). Humanity has been using the nettles for thousands of years. [31] Soaking stinging nettles in water or cooking removes the stinging chemicals from the plant, which allows them to be handled and eaten without injury. [25] The same idiom exists in the Serbian language - неће гром у коприве. Nettle herb is a somewhat plain-looking plant, but if you happen to brush by a one it will jump out and demand your attention. The top baby leaves are selected and simmered, then mixed with other ingredients such as herbs and rice, before being used as a filling between dough layers. Most stings require no treatment other than time. In French, the idiom faut pas pousser mémé dans les orties (don't push grandma in the nettles) means that we should be careful not to abuse a situation. [53] Mature leaves contain about 40% α- linolenic acid, a valuable omega-3 acid. Non-stinging hairs are soft and flexible. Nettles earn their name from the tiny hairs found on the leaves and stems that cause a stinging sensation upon contact with skin. Table 2: Carotenoid concentration of leaves of U. dioica (μg/ g dry weight). An agent thus used was considered to be a rubefacient (something that causes redness), used as a folk remedy for treating rheumatism. Stinging nettle is used for diabetes and osteoarthritis. Since nettles prefer to grow in phosphorus-rich and nitrogen rich soils that have recently been disturbed (and thus aerated), the growth of nettles is an indicator that an area has high fertility (especially phosphate and nitrate), and thus is an indicator to gardeners as to the quality of the soil. Click on an acronym to view each weed list, or click here for a composite list of Weeds of the U.S. The root and above ground parts are used as medicine. The plant is known as “stinging nettle” because of its hollow hairs (tricomes) on the leaves and stem that cause a stinging sensation upon contact. In Europe, nettles have a strong association with human habitation and buildings. [47] German Army uniforms were almost all made from nettle during World War I due to a potential shortage of cotton. Feeding nettle has no detrimental effect on the performance of the laying hens or the general egg quality. As luck would have it, I also picked the North American nettle that stings the worse, Urtica chamaedryoides (UR-tee-ka kam-ee-dree-OY-deez) which is a combination of Dead Latin and Living Greek that means “burning dwarf.” Modern Greeks call the nettle Tsouknida.. Shakespeare's Hotspur urges that "out of this nettle, danger, we pluck this flower, safety" (Henry IV, part 1, Act II Scene 3). [44], In indigenous justice systems in Ecuador, urtication was used as punishment for severe crimes in 2010. Cambridge University Press. [74], "Stinging nettle" redirects here. The two annual species grow from a taproot and are erect. It has been introduced to many other parts of the world. gracilis) is native, while the other (U. dioica ssp. The squash is cut, de-seeded and roasted. As a result, many people are introduced to it in an abrupt and often uncomfortable way. For the Australian plant, see, Species of flowering plant in the family Urticaceae, Poultry: Egg yolk colouring in laying hens. The roots are sometimes eaten by the larva of the ghost moth (Hepialus humuli). It has hairs that cause reactions lasting for weeks. When brushed, the tip of the trichome breaks off, leaving a sharp, hypodermic needle-like point that injects chemical irritants into the skin. [33] The leaves are also dried and may then be used to make a herbal tea, as can also be done with the nettle's flowers. U. d. gracilis is generally a northern plant, growing in the Rockies, up into Alaska and throughout Canada. A Native American stinging nettle and squash soup recipe, provided by the Northwest Indian College, consists of stinging nettles, acorn squash, broth, garlic, onion and oil. [31] In its peak season, nettle contains up to 25% protein, dry weight, which is high for a leafy green vegetable. It spreads by abundant seeds and also by rhizomes, and is often able to survive and re-establish quickly after fire. Stinging nettle has been used as a vegetable and folk remedy since ancient times. Caterpillars, including those of the painted lady, the red admiral and the satyr comma, consume the leaves. U. dioica has a flavour similar to spinach mixed with cucumber when cooked, and is rich in vitamins A and C, iron, potassium, manganese, and calcium. It is possible that the sash was traded from mainland Europe, but perhaps more probable that it was locally made. Standard deviations are given in brackets. Sign up below or read more about the DesertUSA newsletter here. The scientific name for this plant is Urtica dioica. Whoever strips and eats the most stinging nettle leaves in a fixed time is the winner. Plants are generally scattered and overlooked until brushed against. 1 part dried stinging nettle leaves (see below for how to obtain) 1 part dried rose hips with seeds removed 1 part dried mint leaves honey (optional) PREPARATION. Due to the variable fibre content, the fibre yields vary between 0.2 and 7 dt / ha, but the yields are normally in the range between 2 and 4 dt / ha. The cist dated from between 1730 and 1600 BC. Herbaceous with stinging and non-stinging hairs and with simple or branched stems that can grow to about nine feet high. Although nutritious, it is not widely eaten by either wildlife or livestock, presumably because of the sting. [5] The term, contact urticaria, has a wider use in dermatology, involving dermatitis caused by various skin irritants and pathogens. Stinging nettle leaf (Urtica dioica, Urtica urens) historically has been used as a nutritive tonic, diuretic, and an antiarthritc. Urtica dioica L. Nettle Family (Urticaceae) Origin: Europe Distribution and Habitat Also called great nettle, European stinging nettle occurs in Coastal Plain, Piedmont and Mountain provinces in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast, from Delaware to Florida. stinging nettle. Stinging nettle’s leaves and root provide a wide variety of nutrients, … Tiny greenish flowers grow in dense drooping clusters at the leaf axils (where the leaf arises from the stem). A stew or soup containing a handful of dried nettle can provide hair follicles with nutrients such as potassium, iron, vitamin A and vitamins C from the inside. The presence of nettles may indicate the site of a long-abandoned building, and can also indicate soil fertility. [54] For exact fatty acid contents see Table 1. U. d. gracilis has much broader requirements, growing from sea level to over 9000 feet in moist woodlands and in disturbed habitats such as fence rows, orchards and gardens. The soft, green leaves are 3 to 15 cm (1 to 6 in) long and are borne oppositely on an erect, wiry, green stem. Contains Many Nutrients. Nettles can be used in a variety of recipes, such as polenta, pesto, and purée. Listen to the audio pronunciation in the Cambridge English Dictionary. Formerly, more species were recognised than are now accepted. Roman soldiers in England did the same thing to help them better adapt to the cold, damp climate. Originally native to Europe, much of temperate Asia and western North Africa,[1] it is now found worldwide, including New Zealand[2] and North America. The figure of speech "to grasp the nettle" probably originated from Aesop's fable "The Boy and the Nettle". Boiling the nettle destroys the irritant quality. U. gracilenta occurs at higher elevations (3900 to 8250 feet) along shaded streams in alluvial soils. Some claim that the term "nettle" refers to the plant’s needle-like sting, while others trace the word’s origin to the plant’s use for weaving, hence the term "nettle" or "net-plant." General information on stinging nettle plants. [36], Nettles are used in Albania as part of the dough filling for the börek. [54] How to say stinging nettle. Nettle was believed to be a galactagogue – a substance that promotes lactation. The plant gets its name from the Latin word uro meaning “I burn.” If not handled properly you can end up with a burning rash. However, at least six clear subspecies of U. dioica are described, some formerly classified as separate species: INGREDIENTS. Stinging nettle also appears in indigenous folklore, often being associated with coyote, suggesting that nettle is the trickster of the plant world. Stinging nettle, or Urtica dioica, is a common plant that grows in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The stinging nettle is the Red Admiral caterpillar's primary host plant and can attract migrating Red Admiral butterflies to a garden. [56] Depending on the batch and the leave and stem content, nettle contains only traces of zeaxanthin or between 20 – 60 mg / kg of dry matter. Stinging nettle, or urtica dioica, is a perennial flowering plant that has been used medicinally for ages, dating back as far as Ancient Greece. It contained various high value beads as well as fragments of a sash made from nettle fibre. [53] Nettle contains much less carotenes and retinol than carrots, which contain 8.35 RE per g fresh weight. Description: Although they can reach greater heights, stinging nettles usually grow to about three to four feet tall. Unlike cotton, nettles grow easily without pesticides. The taxonomy of Urtica species has been confused, and older sources are likely to use a variety of systematic names for these plants. [34] Nettle soup is a common use of the plant, particularly in Northern and Eastern Europe. Stinging nettle is a plant. Stinging hairs, or trichomes, grow on stems and leaves. It is believed to be most beneficial to consume nettle for hair. Three species of stinging nettles grow in the American southwest: Urtica dioica (subspecies, Urtica dioica gracilis), Urtica gracilenta and Urtica urens. Primarily called stinging nettle or nettle, Urtica dioica is a member of the family Urticaceae and is native to Europe and Eurasia. Stinging nettle is distributed nearly worldwide but is especially common in Europe, North America, North Africa, and parts of Asia. (It's Free. They also often grow in masses, forming a monoculture. The leaves and young stems of this herbaceous plant are fitted with stinging hairs tipped with formic acid and other irritants. Habits/Habitats. [54] However, at least six clear subspecies of U. dioica are described, some formerly classified as separate species: Other species' names formerly accepted as distinct by some authors but now regarded as synonyms of one or other subspecies include U. breweri, U. californica, U. cardiophylla, U. lyalli, U. major, U. procera, U. serra, U. strigosissima, U. trachycarpa, and U. viridis. [57], Ruminants avoid fresh stinging nettles, however if the nettles are wilted or dry, voluntary intake can be high. Stinging Nettle also known as Urtica dioica is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant reaching heights of seven feet tall when placed in sunny damp soil (2). [5][16][17][18][19] Anti-itch drugs, usually in the form of creams containing antihistamines or hydrocortisone, may provide relief from nettle dermatitis. [73], Urtica is derived from a Latin word meaning 'sting'. A nettle tea helped clear the lungs. The competition dates back to 1986, when two neighbouring farmers attempted to settle a dispute about which had the worst infestation of nettles. More recently, companies in Austria, Germany, and Italy have started to produce commercial nettle textiles. [68], The stinging nettle can also be grown in controlled-environment agriculture systems, such as soil-less medium cultivations or aeroponics, which may achieve higher yields, standardize quality, and reduce harvesting costs and contamination. Urtica and urens are both derived from the Latin "uro," meaning to burn. It is also eaten by the larvae of some moths including angle shades, buff ermine, dot moth, the flame, the gothic, grey chi, grey pug, lesser broad-bordered yellow underwing, mouse moth, setaceous Hebrew character, and small angle shades. [52], Fresh leaves contain approximately 82.4% water, 17.6% dry matter, 5.5% protein, 0.7 to 3.3% fat, and 7.1% carbohydrates. Urtica dioica, often known as common nettle, stinging nettle (although not all plants of this species sting) or nettle leaf, or just a nettle or stinger, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Urticaceae. Our loose leaf Organic Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica), also known as stinging nettle, is a perennial member of the Urticaceae family grown in Vermont, USA. The American Botanical Council (ABC) is passionate about helping people live healthier lives through the responsible use of herbs and medicinal plants. Direct seeding is possible, but leads to great heterogeneity in maturity. tall nettle. Seeds contain much more fatty acid than leaves.[54]. Desert Geological Terms, Mojave Desert Wildflowers Book Histamine, acetylcholine and 5-hydroxytryptamine are the primary irritating chemicals. In the East and Midwest, American stinging nettle occurs as far south as Virginia, Missouri, and Kansas; in the West, it occurs south along the coast to central California and south in the Rocky Mountains to Mexico. The North American Deserts Minerals (Ca, K, Mg, P, Si, S, Cl) and trace elements (Ti, 80 ppm,[55] Mn, Cu, Fe) contents depend mostly on the soil and the season. Some carotenes are precursors of vitamin A (retinol), their retinol equivalents RE or retinol activity equivalents per g dry weight are 1.33 for mature leaves and 0.9 for young leaves. In New York there are two very similar subspecies of tall perennial stinging nettles, American (Urtica dioica ssp. Table 1: Fatty acid content of different plant organs of U. Like the other two species, U. urens has limited distribution in the desert, occurring only in Arizona along the Gila River. Urtica dioica is considered to be native to Europe, much of temperate Asia and western North Africa. dioica).Both are common, especially in disturbed areas. [43] Urtication, or flogging with nettles is the process of deliberately applying stinging nettles to the skin to provoke inflammation. Other subspecies of U. dioica are dioecious, however. It bears small, greenish or brownish, numerous flowers in dense axillary inflorescences. It spreads from rhizomes, and it can be either erect or sprawling. The taxonomy of Urtica species has been confused, and older sources are likely to use a variety of systematic names for these plants. Stinging nettle, (Urtica dioica), also called common nettle, weedy perennial plant of the nettle family (Urticaceae), known for its stinging leaves. In more recent decades, freeze dried nettle has dominated the market for its use in alleviating symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis. Gledhill, David (2008). [5][6] The plant has a long history of use as a source for traditional medicine, food, tea, and textile raw material in ancient societies such as the Saxons. U. d. gracilis has the least hairy stems; they have a bulbous base and a stiff translucent apex. Giving nettles a quick turn in a pan with a bit of oil and garlic isn't the … In Dutch, a netelige situatie means a predicament. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is found throughout Eurasia, North America, and northern Africa, and has been introduced to parts of South America. 200 color photos, Wildflower Field Guide - find flowers by color, Home  | About | Contact Us | Feedback | Privacy | Site Outline | Advertising on DesertUSA |, Copyright © 1996-2020 DesertUSA.com and Digital West Media, Inc. It can often form dense clusters. People have used stinging nettles for rheumatism, upset stomach, fevers, colds, paralysis and numerous other ailments. U. d. gracilis is the only perennial of the three. The leaves have a strongly serrated margin, a cordate base, and an acuminate tip with a terminal leaf tooth longer than adjacent laterals. dioica) is introduced. Competitors are given 60 cm (24 in) stalks of the plant, from which they strip the leaves and eat them. [32] After the stinging nettle enters its flowering and seed-setting stages, the leaves develop gritty particles called cystoliths, which can irritate the urinary tract. [46], Historically, nettles have been used to make clothing for almost 3,000 years, as ancient nettle textiles from the Bronze Age have been found in Denmark. How to pronounce stinging nettle. Nettle leaves have long been used fresh as a wild food in spring and then dried for its beneficial properties. It primarily grows in damp, fertile soil. [3] It has widely spreading rhizomes and stolons, which are bright yellow, as are the roots. [37][38] Similarly, in Greece the tender leaves are often used, after simmering, as a filling for hortopita, which is similar to spanakopita, but with wild greens rather than spinach for filling. Different species flower from spring to fall. Their deep, earthy flavor always reminds me of rich soil, damp from winter and ready to burst forth with new plants now that spring is here. It may be that the act of rubbing a dock leaf against a nettle sting acts as a distracting counterstimulation, or that belief in the dock's effect provides a placebo effect. There is a common idea in Great Britain that the nettle was introduced by the Romans. [74], Dioica is derived from Greek, meaning 'of two houses' (having separate staminate and pistillate plants; dioecious). It is less widespread in southern Europe and north Africa, where it is restricted by its need for moist soil, but is still common. Stinging nettle is protected by needle-like projections that easily inject irritating substances into the skin. In Hungarian, the idiom csalánba nem üt a mennykő, the thunderbolt does not strike into nettle, means bad people escape trouble or the devil looks after his own. GENERAL DISTRIBUTION : American stinging nettle is the most common subspecies in temperate North America and occurs throughout Canada and much of the United States. Contrary to its name, this dried organic herbal tea does not sting like the fresh leaves do! It grows in abundance in the Pacific Northwest, especially in places where annual rainfall is high. Three species of stinging nettles grow in the American southwest: Urtica dioica (subspecies, Urtica dioica gracilis), Urtica gracilenta and Urtica urens. The skin surrounding the hives may be red. The area of … dioica. The stinging nettle is a plant found practically all over the world. Nettle leaf tea is derived from the leaves of the common nettle plant, also known as the stinging nettle. gracilis) and European (Urtica dioica ssp. U. gracilenta is restricted to southeastern Arizona and western New Mexico. [61][62][failed verification]. This plant can be weedy or invasive according to the authoritative sources noted below.This plant may be known by one or more common names in different places, and some are listed above. [1] It is abundant in northern Europe and much of Asia, usually found in the countryside. [53], Carotenoids can be found primarily in the leaves, where different forms of lutein, xanthophyll and carotene are present (Table 2). [1][7], Urtica dioica is a dioecious, herbaceous, perennial plant, 1 to 2 m (3 to 7 ft) tall in the summer and dying down to the ground in winter. Nettle has high carotenoid contents, especially lutein, β-carotene and zeaxanthin, of which lutein and zeaxanthin act as yellow pigments. As one might expect, she succeeded. Nettle folktales also remind the listeners of man’s foolish decision to label the plant as a weed. "The Names of Plants". Nettles are sometimes used in cheesemaking, for example in the production of Cornish Yarg[35] and as a flavouring in varieties of Gouda. Stinging nettles are edible, especially when young; they can be boiled and substituted for spinach. The plant is considered an herbaceous perennial, meaning that it has herbal properties and grows back in the same areas year after year. In reality, Native American people knew perfectly well how to avoid being stung by nettle plants and in fact, how to eat them safely in salads (by boiling the … In the Hans Christian Anderson story, "The Wild Swans," the 11 brothers of a fair princess were trapped by an evil spell in the bodies of swans. The flowers grow alon… [64][65] They are also one of the few plants that can tolerate, and flourish in, soils rich in poultry droppings. Food: Stinging nettle (U. dioica) young shoots and tender top leaves can be gathered (using gloves) and dried for a potherb. [28] However, in 2011, an early Bronze Age burial cist on Whitehorse Hill,[29][30] Dartmoor, Devon was excavated. - -. [67] Regular and persistent tilling will greatly reduce its numbers, and the use of herbicides such as 2,4-D and glyphosate are effective control measures. The spell could be broken only if the princess made each brother a coat from nettles and didn’t utter a word the whole time she was doing it. dioica) is the only common stinging plant and has found a place in several figures of speech in the English language. [50] Fibre varieties are normally cloning varieties and therefore planted from vegetative propagated plantlets. [12] Human and animal waste may be responsible for elevated levels of phosphate[13] and nitrogen in the soil, providing an ideal environment for nettles. [23] In Seán O'Casey's Juno and the Paycock, one of the characters quotes Aesop "Gently touch a nettle and it'll sting you for your pains/Grasp it as a lad of mettle and soft as silk remains". The English word 'nettled', meaning irritated or angry, is derived from 'nettle'.[26]. Stinging plant § Plants with stinging hairs, "Identifying plant fibre textiles from Norwegian Merovingian Period and Viking Age graves: The Late Iron Age Collection of the University Museum of Bergen", "Mechanism of Action of Stinging Nettles", "U.K. Standards of care for occupational contact dermatitis and occupational contact urticaria", "Home remedies: dock leaves for nettle stings", "The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Æsop For Children, by Æsop", "Grasping the nettle: an empirical enquiry", "The cist on Whitehorse Hill - Current Archaeology", "Gouda Cheese with Stinging Nettles: Cooking Terms", World Stinging Nettle Eating Championship attracts record crowd, "Homebrew from the hedgerow: nettle beer", "Galactagogue herbs: a qualitative study and review", "Ecuador's indigenous justice system on trial", "Nettle as a distinct Bronze-Age textile plant", "Second skin: why wearing nettles is the next big thing", "10 Jahre anbautechnische Versuche zu Fasernesseln (Urtica dioica L.) in Thüringen", "Production and processing of organically grown fiber nettle (Urtica dioica L.) and its potential use in the natural textile industry: A review", "USDA National Nutrient Database: raw carrot", "Oxidative stability of the meat of broilers supplemented with rosemary leaves, rosehip fruits, chokeberry pomace, and entire nettle, and effects on performance and meat quality", "Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites, Antioxidant Stability and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Containing Nettle (Urtica dioica. [3][4] The species is divided into six subspecies, five of which have many hollow stinging hairs called trichomes on the leaves and stems, which act like hypodermic needles, injecting histamine and other chemicals that produce a stinging sensation upon contact ("contact urticaria", a form of contact dermatitis). The nettle has sharp hairs on its leaves. For Radiant Look. Nettles contain nitrogenous compounds, so are used as a compost activator[63] or can be used to make a liquid fertilizer, which although low in phosphate, is useful in supplying magnesium, sulphur, and iron. The flowers are greenish; they are very small but numerous. ), The Desert Environment The name urticaria for hives comes from the Latin name of nettle (Urtica, from urere, to burn). If you see a group of such plants, look for those noxious bristly hairs along the stems of the plants and on the undersides of their leaves. Urtica dioica is an herbaceous perennial in the Urticaceae family. [40][41], Alcoholic beer can be made from young nettles. The Chia Café Collective makes this tasty medley of stinging nettle and other teas for our workshops, classes, and demonstrations. The native species can be recognized in that male and female flowers appear on a single plant (monoecious), and the plant has only sparse stinging hairs, especially on the stem. 170, Frankh-Kosmos Verlags-GmbH & Co, Stuttgart 2003. In the German language, the idiom sich in die Nesseln setzen, or to sit in nettles, means to get into trouble. Leaves of all species are opposite, toothed, up to two inches long, and generally oval, elliptic or narrowly heart shaped. [66] U. dioica can be a troubling weed, and mowing can increase plant density. Urtica and urens are both derived from the Latin "uro," meaning to burn. Under middle-European conditions, stems yield typically between 45 and 55 dt / ha (decitons per hectare), which is comparable to flax stem yield. Native Americans helped themselves stay awake at night with a quick flagellation or two. Learn more. Technology: Stinging nettle plants are used to produce a tan dye. Gracilenta means "slender," and dioica is derived from "dioecious," the term used to describe species in which male and female flowers grow on different plants. It is found across New Mexico and in the easternmost part of Arizona.