Common Stinging Nettle (urtica dioica)

Nettles are not everyone's favourite plant because they can sting you even if you just brush past the plant. The sting actually comes from little pointy hollow tubes (which look like hairs) on the leaves and stem which contain irritant chemicals. When you brush past a nettle, these tubes stab into the skin and the chemicals inside flow out, irritating the skin. Nettle stings tend to only hurt for a little bit and then go away.  

Some people may not like nettles, but they are important for wildlife, which is why we keep them at Scotswood Garden. Several butterflies, such as the comma, peacock and small tortoiseshell, lay their eggs on nettle leaves. It also plays host to lots of aphids, which in turn provides food for many beetles such as ladybirds to the plant too. 

Nettles have had many uses in history. In the past they have been used as a fibre to make cloth, as a dye for fabric, as a food, a drink and even to tenderise meat! They are rich in iron and contain both zinc and magnesium. So not only are they good for wildlife but also good for humans too.