ABSTRACT
Common nettle is a very variable species, with some subspecies originating from Eurasia and others from North America. One subspecies is native to and widespread in Eurasia, while two subspecies are native to North America. European stinging nettle is native to Eurasia, and beginning in the mid-1800s, it has become established along the Atlantic coast of North America. Nettle prefers moist, rich, circumneutral soil and full sun. Although best adapted to moist to wet, open sites, it also occurs in drier areas and in moderate shade such as found in thickets and forest edges. True “nettles” in a broad sense are species of the nettle family, found chiefly in the tropics and subtropics. The plants of several genera of nettles are covered with bristly, small, stinging hairs that inject an irritant substance under the skin when touched. The stinging hairs are marvels of design. Nettle has long history of use for medicinal purposes, both in the Old and New Worlds.
