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Description
Boehmeria Pilosiuscula, also known as false nettle or hairy false nettle, is a herbaceous plant species that belongs to the Urticaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found growing in moist habitats such as wet meadows, stream banks, and wooded areas. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall and has a spread of around 2 feet.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Urticaceae |
| Genus | Boehmeria |
Appearance
The false nettle has elongated leaves that are oblong to lance-shaped and can grow up to 6 inches long. The leaves are dark green in color and have a rough texture on the upper surface. The plant produces tiny green flowers that are clustered together and bloom from June to September. The stems of the plant are hairy and have a reddish tint to them.
Care Guide
The false nettle is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It prefers to grow in moist soil with good drainage and partial to full shade. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not wet. Avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: The false nettle does not require fertilization, but you can add some organic matter to the soil to improve its quality.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The false nettle prefers partial to full shade and can tolerate some morning sun.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in hardiness zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The false nettle is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be affected by some common pests and diseases such as:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to wilt.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and discoloration of the leaves.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves.
Habitat
The false nettle is native to North America and can be found growing in moist habitats such as wet meadows, stream banks, and wooded areas. It can grow in hardiness zones 3 to 8 and prefers partial to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the false nettle poisonous?
A: No, the false nettle is not poisonous.
Q: Can the false nettle be grown indoors?
A: It is not recommended to grow the false nettle indoors as it prefers to grow in a moist outdoor environment.
Q: Does the false nettle attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the false nettle produces tiny green flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Q: Can the false nettle be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the false nettle can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Boehmeria cylindrica
- Boehmeria nivea
- Boehmeria tricuspis
References
- “Boehmeria Pilosiuscula.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e425.
- “Boehmeria Pilosiuscula.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30028239-2.
- “False Nettle (Boehmeria Pilosiuscula).” Illinois Wildflowers, www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/fal_nettle.htm.
