Fierce-looking perennial with stinging hairs that hide one of the most nutritious wild greens. Young shoots cook into a spinach-like vegetable; mature plant is anti-inflammatory.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 2–9 | −45.6 °C to −1.1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H7 | down to −20 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 2–9 | −40 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 1–5 | −15 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Wear gloves to harvest — formic acid in the trichomes causes the sting
- Sting deactivates immediately on cooking, drying, or wilting
- Critical host plant for red admiral, peacock, comma, and small tortoiseshell butterfly larvae
- Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before using any plant medicinally
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Related plants
Cross-check Stinging nettle against your zones