Urticaceae: the Nettle Family
The low, spreading, tiny leaved plant that fills cracks in paving is a nettle! Known as "Mind Your Own Business" or "Babies' Tears" it was a favourite with Victorian gardeners that soon became one of those "pop up anywhere" plants. The front gardens of the Edwardian houses - my birthplace in South London - were smothered.
Epsom & Ewell Flower Finder
Urticaceae: the Nettle Family
Our Stinging Nettle is the most well known Urticaceae. Despite the awful stings, it has been utilised by man for centuries. Anglo Saxons made twine and fabric from the plant fibres, as well as using it as a food. It is still used today by cooks, brewers and craftspeople. This native plant is of great wildlife value.
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Urtica dioica
Stinging Nettle
Unlike mints/deadnettles has a round stem. Plant up to 2.5 metres high.
About
It grows all over the borough and I keep a patch in my garden. A wind pollinated plant with hollow, sharp hairs containing irritant chemicals, including histamine, producing a terrible itch. Nettle-wrapped Cornish Yarg cheese and nettle soup are well worth tasting!
There are too many creatures to list here! SO MANY RELY ON THIS PLANT! Birds take the seeds, larvae eat the leaves, small mammals use them for protective shelter. They do spread but you can grow them in a container.
HOMEMore information
SURREY'S WILDFLOWERING PROJECT is a community-led initiative, aiming to build a partnership that enables wildflowering in the county as well as promoting and celebrating the boroughs/districts diverse environments. Do take the time to find out more about the project and if you can get involved, even in a small way, you will make a difference.
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