Nettle

Urtica chamaedryoides

UR-ti-ka  kam-ah-dry-OID-ees

Urticaceae

Native to:  Florida native

Florida abundance and distribution: Mostly northern and central Florida, occasionally as far south as Palm Beach County

Recognition: Herb 12-60 cm tall with square stems branching out of the base.  With stinging hairs on the stems, leaf stalks, and lower surface of the leaves.  Leaves opposite, ovate, with rounded to sharp serration.  Flowers greenish white clusters in leaf axils.

Potentially Confused Species:   False Nettle  (Boehmeria cylindrica) has alternate leaves and does not sting.

Other: It is used in many homeopathic remedies.

Contributed by: Nathan Hendry. Photo: cas.vanderbilt.edu