Urtica dioica
Also known as stinging nettle, common nettle
species of plant
AI overview
Urtica dioica, commonly known as stinging nettle, is a plant species found widely across temperate regions that is covered in fine hairs containing formic acid, which cause a stinging sensation when touched. It has long been used in traditional medicine and food preparation, and is now the subject of scientific research into its potential health and nutritional benefits.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Species
Least Concerngreat stinging nettle
SPECIES
- KingdomPlantae
- PhylumTracheophyta
- ClassMagnoliopsida
- OrderRosales
- FamilyUrticaceae
Native toAfghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Altay, Amur, Assam, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Buryatiya
Observations149,333
General: Geography and distribution Urtica dioica is widespread
via GBIF · IUCN · Kew POWO
Article
Urtica dioica, often known as common nettle, burn nettle, stinging nettle, nettle leaf, or just a nettle or stinger, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Urticaceae. Originally native to Europe, much of temperate Asia and western North Africa, it is now found worldwide.
The species is divided into six subspecies, five of which have many hollow stinging hairs called trichomes on the leaves and stems, which act like hypodermic needles, injecting histamine and other chemicals that produce a stinging sensation upon contact ("contact urticaria", a form of contact dermatitis).