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 '''Urtica dioica''' is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Urticaceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and western North America and introduced elsewhere. The species is divided into six subspecies, five of which have many hollow stinging hairs called trichomes on the leaves and stems, which act like hypodermic needles, injecting histamine and other chemicals that produce a stinging sensation when contacted by humans and other animals. 

{{Uses|urination Urination problems}}, {{Uses|kidney Kidney stones}}, {{Uses|allergiesAllergies}}, {{Uses|hayfeverFever}}, {{Uses|osteoarthritisOsteoarthritis}}, {{Uses|Internal bleeding}}, {{Uses|nosebleedsNosebleeds}}, {{Uses|anemiaAnaemia}}, {{Uses|diabetesDiabetes}}

The principal chemicals of interest are the sterols and steryl glycosides, including beta-sitosteroletc. Nettle root also contains lignans (e.g. secoisolariciresinol) and six isolectins collectively referred to as UDA (Urtica dioica agglutinin)<ref name="chemical composition"/>

{{Leaf|Simple|AlternateOpposite|The thin, bright to dark green leaves are positioned opposite, with saw-toothed margins and infamous stinging hairs on the underside}}<ref name="Leaf"/>

Prefers a soil rich in phosphates and nitrogen. Plants must be grown in a deep rich soil if good quality fibre is required.<ref name="How to plant/cultivate"/>

{{Commonly seen|Waste ground}}, {{Commonly seen|hedgerowsHedgerows}}, {{Commonly seen|Rich soil area}}.

<ref name="chemical composition">[https://www.mdidea.com/products/new/new00903.html "chemical Chemical constituents"]</ref>

<ref name="Leaf">[https://www.cropscience.bayer.com/en/crop-compendium/pests-diseases-weeds/weeds/urtica-dioica "plant Plant description"]</ref>

<ref name="How to plant/cultivate">[https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Urtica+dioica "Cultivation details"]</ref>