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Integrated Crop Management
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Stinging nettle

Stinging nettle                       Urtica dioica (Muhl.) Wedd.

Family:  Urticaceae (Nettle family)

Life cycle:  Perennial, reproducing by seed and rhizomes

Habitat:   Poorly drained pastures, along streams and rivers.

Native status:  Native to Eorope

General description:  Erect, unbranched stems reaching heights of 4 to 6 ft.  Stems are four-angled and covered with hairs, some that contain a toxin that causes skin irritation.  Leaves are opposite, lance shaped with a rounded base and coarse teeth on margin.  Flowers are formed in elongated clusters in upper leaf axils.  Plant typically found in dense patches due to spread by rhizomes.

Key ID traits:    Opposite leaves with coarse teeth, prominent veins.  Stem is four angled with stinging hairs.

Similar species:  There are several subspecies of Urtica diocia.  Wood nettle is similar in growth habit, but the leaves are arranged alternately.  Wood nettle has fewer stinging hairs.

Miscellaneous:  The stinging hairs are hollow and contain a toxin that is injected into the skin when brushed against.  Nettles have long been used as a food and as a herbal remedy.

unbranched stems with opposite, lanceolate leaves
Unbranched stems with opposite, lanceolate leaves
flowers arranged in long clusters from leaf axils
Flowers arranged in long clusters from leaf axils
Authored by:
Bob Hartzler
Bob Hartzler
  • Retired Weed Scientist and Professor of Agronomy
Dr. Bob Hartzler is a former professor of agronomy and a former extension weed specialist with a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from Iowa State University. He conducted research on weed biology and how it impacts the efficacy of weed management programs in corn and soybean. Dr. Hartzler also taught undergraduate classes in weed science and weed identification.
Meaghan Anderson
Meaghan Anderson
  • Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist serving nine counties in central Iowa and an extension specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Areas of expertise include weed management, weed biology, cover crops, corn and soybean management, and integrated pest management.

Meaghan holds a bachelor's degree in agronomy and a master's degree in crop production and physiology (focus: weed science) from Iowa State University.

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