Rhizomatous perennials, the nettle plants bear opposite stipulate and toothed leaves and terminal inflorescences. All stems and leaves bear tiny hypodermic hairs, each with a drop of uric acid, which burns and stings if it pierces skin. The flowers do not produce petals; stamens and sepals number four.

Throughout

Nettles were once grown and fed to livestock, especially pigs. They are highly nutritious.

Steamed and cooked, with the flavour of spinach.

Skin must be covered when harvesting as the hollow hairs are always present. Plants must be cooked and not eaten raw.