Stinging Nettle
Urtica dioica
Last reviewed: October 2026
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a perennial forb native to AK, AL, AR, AZ and 45 more states. It blooms in June, July, August, and September. The flowers draw butterflies and moths.
Toxicity unknown
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
36"–120" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AK, AL, AR, AZ and 45 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, moths
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
Tall riparian perennial forming dense leafy stands along streams and in moist meadows. The serrated leaves carry stinging hairs that irritate skin on contact.
Growing Stinging Nettle
Grow Stinging Nettle in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 36 to 120 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Stinging Nettle takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: Back of property wildlife corner well away from paths and play areas.
- Stinging hairs irritate skin on contact; never plant beside walkways
- Spreads by rhizomes into dense stands
Wildlife value
Host plant for Vanessa atalanta, Vanessa cardui.
Larval host plant for the Red Admiral and Painted Lady; its foliage feeds the caterpillars of several other butterflies and moths.
Common questions
- How much sun does Stinging Nettle need?
- Stinging Nettle grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Stinging Nettle bloom?
- Stinging Nettle blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Stinging Nettle native?
- Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) is native to AK, AL, AR, AZ and 45 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does Stinging Nettle host?
- Stinging Nettle is a larval host plant for Vanessa atalanta and Vanessa cardui.
- Is Stinging Nettle HOA-friendly?
- Stinging Nettle takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Stinging Nettle? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.