False Nettle
Boehmeria cylindrica
Last reviewed: June 2026
Boehmeria cylindrica (False Nettle) is a native perennial forb found across most US states that blooms from June through November. This moisture-loving plant attracts butterflies and thrives in sun to partial shade conditions.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag False Nettle as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
48"–60" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CT and 35 more states
Pollinators
butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
False Nettle is a tall, upright native perennial that forms narrow clumps in sunny locations. Despite its name, it doesn't sting and produces small greenish flowers from summer through fall. The plant has a somewhat informal appearance and goes dormant in winter.
Growing False Nettle
Grow False Nettle in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 48 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
False Nettle is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- May flop without support
- Best in less formal zones
Wildlife value
This plant is particularly valuable for butterflies, serving as both a nectar source and host plant for several species. The long bloom period provides consistent pollinator support from summer through late fall.
Common questions
- When does False Nettle bloom?
- Boehmeria cylindrica blooms from June through November, producing small greenish flowers that attract butterflies.
- Where is False Nettle native?
- False Nettle is native to most US states from Maine to Florida and west to Arizona, including much of the eastern, central, and southwestern United States.
- What growing conditions does False Nettle prefer?
- Boehmeria cylindrica grows best in medium to high moisture conditions and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. It naturally occurs in moist woodlands, stream banks, and wetland edges.
- What wildlife does False Nettle support?
- False Nettle attracts butterflies with its long blooming period from summer through fall, providing nectar when many other native plants have finished flowering.
- Is False Nettle toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag False Nettle as toxic to livestock.
- Is False Nettle HOA-friendly?
- False Nettle is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does False Nettle fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.