Stinging Nettle
Urtica dioica
GreensIN SEASONStinging Nettle
Urtica dioica
Disturbed ground, hedgerows, woodland edge, near water
All Identification Points
Heart-shaped strongly serrated leaves with hollow stinging hairs
Leaves in opposite pairs up erect square stems
Green-grey drooping flower catkins in summer
Fibrous stems — historically used for cordage
Pick young top four leaves only in spring
Harvest Notes
Pick young top four leaves before flowering. Thick gloves essential — stings penetrate thin gloves.
Uses
Nettle soup, pasta, pesto, tea, beer — wilted like spinach.
Equipment Needed
Thick gloves, scissors, bag.
Storage
Use within 2 days. Blanch and freeze for longer storage.
Lookalikes
Dead-nettles (Lamium spp.) — similar leaf shape but no sting, have tubular flowers. Completely harmless.
Relative Nutrition
Where to Find It
Leigh Woods woodland edge and Snuff Mills riverbanks. Always wear thick gloves when picking.