Contents
Description
Urtica Cannabina, commonly known as the European hemp nettle or dwarf nettle, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Urticaceae family. This plant is native to Europe and Asia but can also be found in North America and other parts of the world. It typically grows up to 1.5 meters in height and has a spreading habit, with a stem that is green, hairy, and square-shaped.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Urticales |
| Family | Urticaceae |
| Genus | Urtica |
Appearance
The European hemp nettle has leaves that are opposite, ovate, pointed, and serrated, with a length of up to 10 centimeters. The leaves are also hairy and have a green color. The flowers of this plant are greenish-white and bloom during the summer months, from June to August. The fruits of Urtica Cannabina are small and dry, with a length of up to 3 millimeters, and are dispersed by wind.
Care Guide
Urtica Cannabina is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. It can be grown in a variety of soils, but prefers moist and well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, but it grows best in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Watering should be done regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil moist. Fertilization can be done once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer. This plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8 and can survive winter temperatures as low as -15°C.
Common Pests & Diseases
The European hemp nettle is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Urtica Cannabina is a plant that thrives in a variety of habitats, including meadows, fields, and waste areas. It can also be found on riverbanks, near ditches, and in disturbed areas. This plant prefers areas with moist soil and plenty of sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q. Is Urtica Cannabina edible?
A. Yes, the leaves of this plant are edible and can be used in salads, soups, and stews. They have a slightly bitter taste.
Q. Is Urtica Cannabina used in traditional medicine?
A. Yes, this plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including arthritis, rheumatism, and allergies.
Q. Can Urtica Cannabina be grown in containers?
A. Yes, this plant can be grown in containers, as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its spreading habit.
Q. Is Urtica Cannabina invasive?
A. No, this plant is not considered invasive and is generally well-behaved in the garden.
Related Plants
- Urtica dioica
- Urtica urens
- Urtica pilulifera
- Urtica membranacea
References
- “Urtica cannabina.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed on August 31, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286380&isprofile=0&basic=Urtica%20cannabina
- “Urtica cannabina.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed on August 31, 2021. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:860220-1
- “Urtica cannabina.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed on August 31, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/16156/urtica-cannabina/details
