Scrub Nettle (Urtica incisa)

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

Urtica incisa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). It is not frost tender. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

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

Habitat & North American Range

Usually in damp gullies in Australia. Lowland to montane forests, forest margins and shaded open places throughout New Zealand. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)