Urtica dodartii

'Pellitory-leaved Nettle'

Urticaceae: A rare annual stinging species like Roman Nettle (U. pilulifera) to 60cm. Found as a weed of cultivated land and waste places, preferring light soils. The flowers are green; female flowers with inflated perianth. Blooming from June-September. Fruits are achenes, wide ovoid. like Roman Nettle (U. pilulifera) but with a smooth edge to the leaves and larger seeds. The leaves and stem contain stinging hairs. Native to the Mediterranean.

USES:

annual vegetable (delicious young leaves - cooked and used as a potherb). The nettle beer is brewed from the young shoots. Also, oily plant (edible oil pressed from seeds)

Medicinal herb, fibre and dye plant and repellent insect pests.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Surface sow seeds in plug trays in spring. Seeds germinate in about a week if it’s warm and sunny. Prefers a nitrogen-rich soil. The best fibre is produced when plants are grown on deep fertile soils. Dislikes a shady position. And yes, they sting.

HARVESTED: 2023*

 

APPROX. 20 SEEDS