Wood-nettle
Laportea canadensis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
NY
Pollinators
bees, beetles
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.
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 Wood-nettle fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.