Native Nettle

Botanical name: Urtica sykesii

Common name(s): Native Nettle, Bush Nettle

Plant facts:

A delicate but vigorous native nettle with softly stinging hairs and deeply toothed leaves. This perennial herb spreads by underground rhizomes and is commonly found in moist, shaded habitats. Although it does sting, it is generally considered less severe than other New Zealand nettle species.

Natural habitat:

Typically found in moist, shaded areas, often growing between rocks, along stream edges, and within forest understories.

Growing environment:

Shade, Moist & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Found throughout much of New Zealand’s North and South Islands, though uncommon north of Auckland. Also occurs in Victoria, Australia.

Height:

Typically 15–60 cm tall

Flowering:

Throughout the year
Produces small green to yellow-green flowers.

Fruiting:

Throughout the year

Uses:

• Native shade garden planting
• Habitat plant for native insects
• Useful understory species for restoration plantings

Appearance:

Growth habit:
An erect, rhizomatous perennial herb that often forms loose colonies through spreading underground stems.

Leaves:
Leaves are triangular to broadly oval with deeply toothed margins and a slightly heart-shaped base. Foliage is light green and lightly covered with fine hairs and scattered stinging hairs.

Stinging hairs:
Prominent stinging hairs occur mainly on stems and leaf veins. The sting varies between plants and individuals but is usually milder than larger native nettles.

Flowers:
Plants carry separate male and female flower clusters on the same plant, with male flowers usually lower on the stem and female flowers higher up.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed, stem cuttings, or rooted divisions. Prefers moist, shaded soils and sheltered positions. Often short-lived but readily regenerates in suitable conditions.