East Asian perennial nettle relative (without the sting) grown for bast fibre extracted from the stem. Produces fibre of exceptional length, strength and lustre, used historically for ceremonial cloth in China and Japan.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 7–11 | −17.8 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H4 | −10 °C to −5 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 8–9 | −7 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 3–7 | −5 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Bast fibre extracted from stems by chemical or mechanical degumming — the gum content is unusually high and is the principal processing difficulty
- Fibre is among the strongest and most resistant to bacteria of any natural plant fibre
- Three to six cuts per year possible in warm climates — the only major plant fibre that is harvested multiple times per season
- Foliage looks like stinging nettle (Urtica dioica, already in the database) but the plant has no sting
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Ramie against your zones