Parviflora Nettle (Urtica parviflora)

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

Urtica parviflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - cooked. 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 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.; Although the fresh leaves have stinging hairs, thoroughly drying or cooking them destroys these hairs.

Habitat & North American Range

Forests and amongst taller herbaceous vegetation, 1700 - 2800 metres. Partly shady, moist places of evergreen forests, along streams, roadsides, 1500 - 2400 metres in W. China. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)