Nettles grow in America too, but not as extensively as they do in Ireland and Britain. Irish people are aware of the burning sting of the nettle, but for others, this little-known plant can cause great distress, especially to the unwary American tourist.
Do other countries have nettles?
Stinging nettle is distributed nearly worldwide but is especially common in Europe, North America, North Africa, and parts of Asia. The plant is common in herbal medicine, and young leaves can be cooked and eaten as a nutritious potherb.
Are nettles Irish?
‘Nettles may be found by feeling for them in the darkest night’. They are recognised as being a rich source of vitamin C and contain more iron than spinach.
Information on Common Nettle.
| Common Name: | Common Nettle |
|---|---|
| Irish Name: | Neantóg |
| Family Group: | Urticaceae |
| Distribution: | View Map (Courtesy of the BSBI) |
Are nettles only in the UK?
U. dioica subsp. dioica (European stinging nettle), from Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, has stinging hairs.
Where are stinging nettles found in the world?
A very common plant, the stinging nettle can be found growing in gardens, hedgerows, fields, woodlands and many other habitats. Its preference for damp, fertile and disturbed ground makes it a good coloniser of places enriched by human activities, such as agriculture and development.
Does America have nettles?
GENERAL DISTRIBUTION : American stinging nettle is the most common subspecies in temperate North America and occurs throughout Canada and much of the United States.
Are there stinging nettles in UK?
Stinging or common nettles (Urtica dioica) are widespread across the U.K. They can be found in woodlands, hedgerows, gardens and disturbed ground. They tolerate a wide variety of soil conditions, though they seem to like moisture and soils rich in nitrate and phosphate.
What animal eats nettles?
Stinging nettles are great wildlife attractors: caterpillars of the small tortoiseshell and peacock butterflies use them as foodplants; ladybirds feast on the aphids that shelter among them; and seed-eating birds enjoy their autumn spoils.
Why do nettles sting?
Both the stems and the leaves of stinging nettles are covered by structures that look like hairs but are delicate and hollow. These “hairs” act like needles when they come into contact with the skin. Chemicals flow through them into the skin, which causes a stinging sensation and a rash.
When should you eat nettles?
spring
Nettles are best when very tender, so pick in the spring when the nettles are just coming up or later in the season. Pick the young leaves from the tips. Use rubber gloves or pinch the leaves hard, so you don’t get stung. Once picked, lay the nettles out on a tray to wilt.
How did nettles get to the UK?
STINGING NETTLES
The Romans are credited with bringing seeds of this plant with them into Britain; by flogging themselves with the plants, they apparently kept warm in the colder northern climate.
Who brought nettles to the UK?
A couple of weeks ago, BBC Radio 4s Gardeners’ Question Time mentioned that Roman soldiers introduced Roman nettle to Britain. They used it to keep themselves warm by beating themselves with the stinging plants.
Why do we have stinging nettles in the UK?
They helped the Romans keep warm!
The nettle’s sting is a ‘counterirritant’: this means its chemicals can actually decrease an existing pain. Roman soldiers allegedly used this effect to adapt to the colder, harsher climate of Britain – rubbing nettles on their arms and legs to help them keep warm.
What’s the difference between nettle and stinging nettle?
Stinging nettle is the name given to common nettle, garden nettle, and hybrids of these plants. Originally from the colder regions of northern Europe and Asia, this herbaceous shrub grows all over the world today.
Who should not drink nettle tea?
Pregnant people
Interactions. Pregnant people should not take nettle or drink nettle tea. Due to a lack of research, children under the age of 12 years should also avoid nettle. It is important that people with existing conditions and those who take certain medications speak with a healthcare professional before trying nettle.
Where do nettles grow?
It occurs in moist sites along streams, meadow, and ditches, on mountain slopes, in woodland clearings, and in disturbed areas. Stinging nettle generally grows on deep, rich, moist soil and doesn’t do well in areas of drought.
What happens if you touch nettles?
Nettles are plants with sharp hairs on their leaves. If you touch them, these hairs inject irritants into the skin, making it itchy, red and swollen.
Are there nettles in Australia?
Urtica incisa, commonly called scrub nettle, stinging nettle, and tall nettle, is an upright perennial herb native to streams and rainforest of eastern and southern Australia, from the north–east southwards through the east, of Queensland and New South Wales, then across the south, through Victoria, Tasmania, south-
Does nettle increase testosterone?
Ingredients in the MIPS such as stinging nettle leaf are known for increasing the amount of free (active) testosterone by binding the testosterone inhibitor sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) [17].
Do nettles sting dogs?
Nettles can sting dogs’ paws leading to intense itching and chewing. Avoid walking through nettles. Again, this would be a time to use an antihistamine recommended by your vet. Some paw waxes might reduce stinging and soothe afterwards.
How long does a nettle sting last?
This acid can redden the skin and cause a non-spreading rash that can last up to 24 hours. Remedies for this sting include a plant that often grows next to it called jewelweed.
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