Perennial herb. Grows from rhizomes and stolons with spreading roots. Grows in the summer time and dies off late autumn after flowering. The stem is square,green and covered in hairs. Grows in colonies in damp areas
size
0.5 to 1.5 metres high
Leaf
Leaves appear opposite along the stem.Dark green,cordate base, deeply serrated pointed leaves with lighter green downy underneath. Leaves are deeply veined. They are covered in rigid stinging hairs which contain an irritating fluid (formic acid).
Flower
Flowers grow in clusters. They are small light greenish flowers in axillary clusters which bloom in summer.
Flower Season
November to January
Fruit
Fruits are about 50 mm long and contain small nuts about 2mm long.
Propagation
From seeds or rhizomes.
Details
Naturally occurring plants in moist, well drained soil in forested areas.
Attracts
Several insects including the Admiral Butterfly larvae.
Conservation Status
Common, not threatened
Special Note
Aborigines used the leaves for medicinal purposes. The Urtica dioica is a very similar nettle but it is not native to Australia.