False Nettle, Wood Nettle, Stinging-less Nettle
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Urticaceae, Genus: Boehmeria, Species: Boehmeria cylindrica · Urticaceae (Nettle family) · Simple, herbaceous perennial leaf, deciduous in temperate zones.
Species
Boehmeria cylindrica
Leaf Type
Simple, herbaceous perennial leaf, deciduous in temperate zones.
Family
Urticaceae (Nettle family)
Shape
Ovate to broadly lanceolate with an acuminate (tapered) tip and rounded to cordate base.
Size
Approximately 3 to 6 inches long and 1.5 to 3 inches wide, matching the standard range for mature species leaves.
Margin
Coarsely serrate with uniform, forward-pointing sharp teeth.
Arrangement
Opposite (though occasionally alternate on upper stems), with prominent slender petioles.
Rarity
Very Common across native wetland and woodland environments.
Color & Pattern
Vibrant lime to medium green on the upper surface with slightly paler underside. Uniform coloration with faint yellowish halo spots on damaged areas.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with distinct 3-veined (palmate-like) structure originating near the blade base and prominent secondary net-like (reticulate) branching.
Texture & Surface
Slightly rugose (wrinkled) upper surface, puberulent to smooth texture, notably lacking stinging hairs (barbs).
Description
False Nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica) is an erect herbaceous perennial growing up to 3-4 feet tall. Despite belonging to the nettle family, it completely lacks stinging hairs, making it harmless to touch. It features slender greenish stems, paired sharply toothed leaves, and small green spike-like axillary flower clusters.
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, 3 prominent basal veins, sharply serrate margins, long slender petiole, and absolute absence of stinging hairs.
Habitat
Moist, nutrient-rich soils in floodplains, wet woods, marshes, stream banks, and shaded damp waste areas.
Geographic Range
Native to eastern and central North America, extending from Quebec west to Minnesota and south to Florida, Texas, and parts of Central and South America.
Condition Notes
Good condition with mild mechanical insect feeding spots, minor localized necrosis spots, and rich green tissue indicating high hydration.
Interesting Facts
It looks virtually identical to Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) but lacks histamine-injecting trichomes, making it a safe food source for native butterfly larvae.
Medicinal & Uses
Historically used in indigenous herbal medicine as a poultice or tea for skin and digestive ailments. Strong fibrous stems can be harvested to make cordage and twine.
Ecological Role
Serves as an essential host plant for larvae of the Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) and Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis) butterflies, providing forage without harming pollinators.
Similar Species
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica - has stinging hairs), Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis - alternate leaves, stinging hairs), Clearweed (Pilea pumila - translucent stems, glossy leaves).
Foraging Tips
Look in shaded, muddy or wet areas near streams during summer. Gently test the leaves with the back of a hand; if it doesn't sting, it is likely False Nettle or Clearweed.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic and safe to touch. While young shoots are sometimes cooked like spinach, caution is advised as with all wild plants to prevent consumption of misidentified stinging species or contaminated wetland foliage.