Two subspecies, American stinging nettle and hoary nettle, are native; the third subspecies in North America, European stinging nettle, was introduced in the mid-1800’s. American stinging nettle and hoary nettle are predominantly monoecious whereas European stinging nettle is typically dioecious.
Where did stinging nettles come from?
Originally native to Europe, much of temperate Asia and western North Africa, it is now found worldwide, including New Zealand and North America.
Are Stinging nettles native to Britain?
We have two native species of nettle in the British Isles, the common nettle Urtica dioica L. (Figure 1) which has two (some authorities list more) subspecies: ssp. dioica the widespread and often very abundant stinging nettle with which we are all familiar and ssp.
Who brought stinging nettles to England?
Roman soldiers
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.
Where does stinging nettle grow in the US?
Stinging nettles grow wild throughout the United States, and are very common in Massachusetts. You can find them in disturbed areas, floodplains, pastures, roadsides, fields, woodlands, and stream banks. They like damp, rich soil and sunshine or partial shade.
Are nettles invasive?
OTHER MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : Stinging nettle is considered a weedy, invasive species. It is listed as a noxious weed in several Canadian provinces. Stinging nettle hairs are irritating to human skin, and the pollen is a major contributor to summer hay fever [1].
Is being stung by nettles good for you?
Stinging nettle is a nutritious plant popular in Western herbal medicine. Studies suggest that it may reduce inflammation, hay fever symptoms, blood pressure and blood sugar levels — among other benefits.
Are nettles good for bees?
The dead nettle has bright orange pollen which give the foraging bees an orange stripe on thier heads. This weed is particularly useful to them as that pollen may be in short supply if there are few flowering trees in your area.
Are nettles good for wildlife?
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.
What purpose do nettles have?
General Uses. Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Today, many people use it to treat urinary problems during the early stages of an enlarged prostate (called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH).
Are nettles good for the garden?
In the garden, nettle is indispensable as a fertilizer, insecticide, and compost activator. On the farm, nettle’s uses don’t just end there. The farm animals also benefit from all the goodness of nettle as well.
Why did the Romans bring nettles to Britain?
They helped the Romans keep warm!
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 do you do if you get stung by a stinging nettle?
Treatment
- Wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible to relieve the sting and remove the nettle hairs.
- Local symptoms of pain and itching can be relieved by applying a moistened cloth and/or ice pack to the area.
Is burning nettle edible?
The leaves are edible at any stage of the plants’ growth. Cooking or drying them denatures the sting. They are nice and tender earlier in the season when they’re young.
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].
How long can 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.
Are nettles poisonous to dogs?
Stinging nettles aren’t known to be poisonous for dogs, and typically stings cause only mild discomfort for a few hours. However, there have been cases of dogs suffering from toxicity.
Is stinging nettle poisonous to touch?
Stinging nettle
These plants have sharp, thin hairs, which operate like hollow hypodermic needles and allow toxins into the skin upon contact. Avoid it because: Contact with the plant causes itching, numbness and swelling, leading to a painful rash.
Do nettles spread?
Although nettles produce prodigious amounts of seed, their most reliable means of spread is by rhizomes. Rhizome fragments are readily spread by soil disturbances such as plowing, ditch cleaning and construction.
Why do nettle stings hurt for so long?
The reason for this is that stinging nettles contain fine hairs and chemicals that irritate human skin. One of these chemicals is formic acid, which causes the painful rash. If people come into contact with stinging nettles, they may experience: a rash.
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.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.