Herbs · Everyday herb

Nettle

Urtica dioica · also called Stinging nettle · planet: Mars

A tall, wild, spiky-looking plant whose leaves sting on contact, yet make good spring greens once cooked.

In the garden

Moist, rich soil in sun or part shade. Leave a patch at the edge of the garden; it feeds butterfly caterpillars.

In the kitchen

Wear gloves. Pick young tops in spring and cook them or dry them; cooking removes the sting. Make soup, pesto or tea.

Take care

• Never eat nettles raw. Use only young spring tops, cooked or dried.
• May interact with blood pressure, blood-thinning and diabetes medicines; ask a pharmacist if you take any.
• Traditionally avoided in pregnancy.

Folklore and garden information only, not medical advice. Do not eat or use any plant unless you are certain what it is and that it is safe for you. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, on medicine, or choosing for children or pets.

Where to buy

Dried herb

• Mountain Rose Herbs Organic dried herbs and botanicals.
• Starwest Botanicals Bulk dried herbs, spices and teas.

Seeds

• Botanical Interests Seed packets for herb and flower gardens.
• Burpee Seeds and young plants.
• Park Seed Seeds and live plants. Search for the herb once you are on their site.

Live plants

• Burpee Seeds and young plants.
• Park Seed Seeds and live plants. Search for the herb once you are on their site.

These links go to the seller websites themselves. We are not paid for them.