Stinging Nettle
Urtica dioica · Urticaceae
Safety first
Educational field guide only. Never eat a wild plant without 100% confident identification. Not medical or legal advice.
About
A nutrient-dense perennial with opposite leaves and stinging hairs. Common along trails, edges, and rich soils across the Great Lakes.
Harvest calendar
Months: Apr · May · Jun
Seasons: Early Spring, Spring
Parts used: young leaves, tops
Habitat & skill
Habitats: Field edge & meadow, Stream & river corridor, Disturbed / urban wild, Deciduous forest
Difficulty: easy
Identification
Opposite, serrated leaves; square-ish stems; tiny green flowers in clusters; stinging hairs on stems and leaves. Height often 2–5+ ft.
Harvest notes
Harvest young tops in spring before flowering for best texture. Wear gloves.
Preparation
Blanching or drying neutralizes the sting. Excellent as cooked green, tea, or pesto base.
Stewardship
Cut tops; plants resprout. Leave plenty of stands for wildlife.