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Description
Laportea cuspidata, commonly known as the wood nettle, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Urticaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in the eastern United States, from Maine to Georgia, and west to Minnesota and Missouri. The plant typically grows up to 3 feet tall and has a spreading habit. It has stinging hairs on its leaves and stems that can cause skin irritation when touched.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Urticaceae |
| Genus | Laportea |
Appearance
The Laportea cuspidata plant has green leaves that are deeply serrated and heart-shaped. The leaves can grow up to 5 inches long and have stinging hairs along their veins and margins. The plant produces small inconspicuous greenish-white flowers that bloom from June to September. The fruit of the plant is a small achene that contains one seed.
Care Guide
Laportea cuspidata is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, but can also grow in full sun. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.Water: The plant requires regular watering, especially during dry periods.Fertilization: Laportea cuspidata does not require fertilization, but can benefit from a light application of compost in the spring.Soil: The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, but prefers moist, well-drained soil.Sunlight: The plant can grow in partial shade or full sun.Hardiness Zones: Laportea cuspidata is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Laportea cuspidata is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. The plant can also attract aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Habitat
Laportea cuspidata can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and along streams and rivers. It prefers moist, shady areas and can often be found growing in the same areas as stinging nettle.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Laportea cuspidata poisonous?
A: No, Laportea cuspidata is not poisonous, but its stinging hairs can cause skin irritation.
Q: Can Laportea cuspidata be grown indoors?
A: While Laportea cuspidata can be grown indoors, it prefers outdoor growing conditions.
Q: How often should Laportea cuspidata be fertilized?
A: Laportea cuspidata does not require fertilization, but can benefit from a light application of compost in the spring.
Q: Can Laportea cuspidata be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Laportea cuspidata can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the summer.
Related Plants
- Laportea canadensis
- Laportea aestuans
- Laportea interrupta
References
- “Laportea cuspidata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 11, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286292.
- “Laportea cuspidata.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed September 11, 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:834127-1.
- “Wood Nettle.” U.S. Forest Service. Accessed September 11, 2021. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/laportea_cuspidata.shtml.
