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Nettles
Urtica dioica L., Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis
Urticaceae
Image
Nettles up close, photo credit: J. Dolan 2022

Names and Their Meanings

Stinging Nettle - Urtica dioica
Kanienʼkéha
teyutokorúte, yakohesará:tah, óhrhes
Anishinaabemowin
bepadji'ckanakiz'itna- zana'tik
French
Ortie dioïque
Wood Nettle - Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis
Kanienʼkéha
teyutokorúte, yakohesará:tah, óhrhes
Anishinaabemowin
mazaanaatig, zesab
French
Grande ortie
Nettles, Photo credit: J. Dolan 2023
An herbarium specimen of Nettles growing in the Greenbelt, collected by Y.Z. Ni, David Botcherby, and Joy Amyotte 2022
Wood nettles, a different but related species, Laportea canadensis, growing in Cootes Paradise, Photo credit: J. Dolan 2022
Nettles up close, photo credit: J. Dolan 2022

Stinging Nettle

Description

Nettles have been used widely for food, medicine and a fiber source throughout their range, for centuries. As a food and medicine, they are extremely high in iron, and so supportive for women’s health. They have also been used by Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe for cordage.

Conservation Status

S5 (Secure) in Ontario, Québec and New York

Wood Nettle

Conservation Status

S5 (Secure) in Ontario, Québec and New York