Common Nettle

Urtica dioica, commonly known as the stinging nettle or common nettle, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Urticaceae. Originally native to Europe, much of temperate Asia and western North America, the plant is well known for its stinging hairs, called trichomes, which act like hypodermic needles, injecting histamine and other chemicals that produce a stinging sensation upon contact. Despite this defensive mechanism, the common nettle has a long history of human usage as a source for traditional medicine, food, and textile fiber. Young leaves can be cooked and consumed like spinach, losing their sting entirely once heated or dried thoroughly, making them exceptionally nutritious and versatile.