Stinging Nettle – Urtica dioica

Perennial from zone 3 – 8. Herbaceous perennial growing between 1 and 2 feet. Leaves can be dried and used medicinally in teas. Young leaves can be cooked as a nutritious food source that is high in minerals such as iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Plant away from paths or high traffic areas and harvest with thick gloves to avoid stings and irritation. Plant in a contained environment using rhizome barrier and/or other obstructions that will limit unwanted spreading. Stem and Leaves can be soaked for 1-3 weeks and used as a fertilizer. Plant can be used as a companion plant to increase other plants’ resistance to insect pests and will help provide nutrients to surrounding plants each year that it dies back.