Angustifolia Nettle (Urtica angustifolia)

Family: Urticaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Urtica angustifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - cooked. They make an excellent spinach or can be added to soups and stews. A very nutritious food, high in vitamins and minerals. Only use the young leaves and wear stout gloves when harvesting them to prevent getting stung. — Young leaves - cooked.; They make an excellent spinach or can be added to soups and stews.; A very nutritious food, high in vitamins and minerals.; Only use the young leaves and wear stout gloves when harvesting them to prevent getting stung.

Habitat & North American Range

Woods in mountains all over Japan. Riversides and mixed montane woods, springs, rocky screes and occasionally by dwellings and in waste places. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)