This selection of stinging nettle has nearly stingless needles! Young nettle leaves blanched to draw their sting may serve as an alternative to spinach or chard, and cooked nettle leaves contain vitamins A and C, iron, potassium, manganese and calcium, with those gathered in peak spring and summer condition boasting 25% protein. Nettles are best when very tender, so pick in the spring when the nettles are just coming up or later in the season. Pick the young leaves from the tips. Once picked, lay the nettles out on a tray to wilt. Once wilted they can no longer sting you. The sting relies on erect hairs to penetrate the skin and inject the stinging formic acid. When wilted strip the leaves off the stems. Grows 3 – 7 feet tall. Hardy to Zones 3a-10b. Sun to part shade. Thanks to Country Life and Demuths, both of the UK, for the detailed information. Photo from Country Life.
Urtica dioica Stingless Nettle
Description
This selection of stinging nettle has nearly stingless needles! Young nettle leaves blanched to draw their sting may serve as an alternative to spinach or chard, and cooked nettle leaves contain vitamins A and C, iron, potassium, manganese and calcium, with those gathered in peak spring and summer condition boasting 25% protein. Nettles are best when very tender, so pick in the spring when the nettles are just coming up or later in the season. Pick the young leaves from the tips. Once picked, lay the nettles out on a tray to wilt. Once wilted they can no longer sting you. The sting relies on erect hairs to penetrate the skin and inject the stinging formic acid. When wilted strip the leaves off the stems. Grows 3 – 7 feet tall. Hardy to Zones 3a-10b. Sun to part shade. Thanks to Country Life and Demuths, both of the UK, for the detailed information. Photo from Country Life.
