Contents
Description
Urtica Aspera, commonly known as the rough nettle or spurge nettle, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Urticaceae family. The plant is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world. The plant can grow up to a height of 1.5 meters and has a spread of 1 meter. The plant has a green stem that is covered with small hairs and has serrated leaves that measure 5-15 cm in length. The plant produces small greenish-white flowers that are arranged in clusters and bloom from June to September.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Urticaceae |
| Genus | Urtica |
Appearance
Urtica Aspera has serrated leaves that are ovate to lanceolate in shape and measure 5-15 cm in length. The leaves are arranged opposite each other on the stem and are covered with small hairs that can cause skin irritation. The stem of the plant is also covered with small hairs and has a green color. The plant produces small greenish-white flowers that are arranged in clusters and bloom from June to September. The fruit of the plant is a small nutlet that is covered with bristles.
Care Guide
Urtica Aspera is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to take care of the plant:- Water: Urtica Aspera prefers moist soil, so it’s important to water the plant regularly. However, make sure not to overwater the plant as this can cause root rot.- Fertilization: The plant doesn’t require much fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Urtica Aspera prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun.- Hardiness Zones: Urtica Aspera can grow in hardiness zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Urtica Aspera is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, the plant can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. To prevent these pests, make sure to keep the plant clean and free of debris. If you notice any pests, you can use insecticidal soap to get rid of them. The plant can also be affected by powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
Urtica Aspera is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world. The plant can grow in a variety of habitats, including meadows, forests, and disturbed areas. The plant prefers moist soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Urtica Aspera edible?
A: Yes, the plant is edible and has been used in traditional medicine and cuisine.
Q: Can Urtica Aspera be grown indoors?
A: While the plant can be grown indoors, it prefers to be grown outdoors in partial shade to full sun.
Q: How do you propagate Urtica Aspera?
A: The plant can be propagated by seeds or by dividing the root ball.
Q: Is Urtica Aspera toxic?
A: While the plant is generally safe to handle, the hairs on the leaves and stem can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Urtica Aspera:- Urtica dioica (stinging nettle)- Urtica urens (dwarf nettle)- Urtica pilulifera (Roman nettle)
References
– “Urtica Aspera (L.) Urticaceae.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, 2021, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:853658-1.- “Urtica Aspera.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c858.
