Are Stinging nettles only in the UK?

Stinging or common nettles (Urtica dioica) are widespread across the U.K. They can be found in woodlands, hedgerows, gardens and disturbed ground. They tolerate a wide variety of soil conditions, though they seem to like moisture and soils rich in nitrate and phosphate.

Is there a difference between nettle and stinging nettle?

Although both are often called stinging nettle, that common name only applies to Urtica dioica. Burning nettle, Urtica urens, is also known as dwarf nettle or small nettle. It is native to Europe, but in the United States is common in many eastern states and a few central states.

Is there a non stinging nettle?

At some point in the discussion, an expert out of England stepped up and explained to me that a lack of stings was not necessarily a valid way to rule out the plant’s nettle-ness. In fact, there is a species of nettle that does not sting.

Do other countries have stinging nettles?

stinging nettle, (Urtica dioica), also called common nettle, weedy perennial plant of the nettle family (Urticaceae), known for its stinging leaves. Stinging nettle is distributed nearly worldwide but is especially common in Europe, North America, North Africa, and parts of Asia.

Are nettles indigenous to UK?

We have two native species of nettle in the British Isles, the common nettle Urtica dioica L. dioica the widespread and often very abundant stinging nettle with which we are all familiar and ssp. galeopsifolia with usually longer leaves and no stinging hairs, sometimes found in fens and carr.

What plants can sting you UK?

Read on to discover some plants that could burn, blister, or otherwise irritate you!

• Manchineel. manchineel. Manchineel (Hippomane mancinella).
• Poison Ivy. Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
• Stinging nettle. stinging nettle.
• Hogweed. giant hogweed.
• Tread-softly. tread-softly.
• Gympie gympie. gympie-gympie.
• Pain bush. pain bush.

How do you identify stinging nettles?

Nettles grow 2 to 5 feet tall and have opposite leaves. The leaves are coarsely toothed, pointed on the ends, and can be several inches long. Smaller, younger leaves are more heart-shaped. True to its name, stinging nettle imparts a painful sting through tiny hairs on the underside of its leaves and on its stems.

Are Stinging nettles good for the garden?

Because it’s rich in nitrogen, this is particularly useful for leafy vegetables like kale, chard and spinach. You can also cut nettles to lay, as they are, around larger plants or shrubby fruits, where they will serve as a valuable mulch. Their high nitrogen content also makes them a natural compost activator.

Are all Nettles edible UK?

Only Dead Nettles from the Lamium family which are edible and although not as tasty they don’t sting.

Do nettles sting animals?

The stinging nettle plant is in abundance in many regions of North America. This plant is covered in small stinging nettle hair cells that break easily on contact, injecting secretions that cause numbness, pain, and itching to humans and animals upon exposure. Vet bills can sneak up on you.

Did the Romans bring nettles to Britain?

STINGING NETTLES Nettles have a long history as a treatment for rheumatism and muscle pain like sciatica. The Romans are credited with bringing seeds of this plant with them into Britain; by flogging themselves with the plants, they apparently kept warm in the colder northern climate.

How did nettles get to the UK?

Nettles have a long history as a treatment for rheumatism and muscle pain like sciatica. The Romans are credited with bringing seeds of this plant with them into Britain; by flogging themselves with the plants, they apparently kept warm in the colder northern climate.