How much sun does Wood-nettle need?

Wood-nettle grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Wood-nettle bloom?

Wood-nettle blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Wood-nettle native?

Wood-nettle (Laportea canadensis) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 35 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What butterflies or moths does Wood-nettle host?

Wood-nettle is a larval host plant for eastern comma and question mark butterfly.

Is Wood-nettle HOA-friendly?

Wood-nettle takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Wood-nettle

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Laportea canadensis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Wood-nettle (Laportea canadensis) 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 shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 35 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Wood-nettle is a native perennial with broad, toothed leaves that thrives in shaded woodland settings. Despite its name, it has stinging hairs that can cause skin irritation when touched. The plant produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers in summer and spreads to form colonies in moist, fertile soil.

In an HOA neighborhood

Wood-nettle takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Stinging hairs cause skin irritation
Can appear weedy and uncontrolled
May spread aggressively in ideal conditions

Wildlife value

Host plant for eastern comma, question mark butterfly.

This plant attracts bees and beetles with its summer blooms and serves as a host plant for several butterfly species. Its seeds also provide food for birds and small mammals.

Common questions

How much sun does Wood-nettle need?: Wood-nettle grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Wood-nettle bloom?: Wood-nettle blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Wood-nettle native?: Wood-nettle (Laportea canadensis) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 35 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What butterflies or moths does Wood-nettle host?: Wood-nettle is a larval host plant for eastern comma and question mark butterfly.
Is Wood-nettle HOA-friendly?: Wood-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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Wood-nettle? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz