A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y X Z

Click on images to enlarge

infestation (Photo: Sheldon Navie)

habit (Photo: Sheldon Navie)

the small broad leaves with sharply-toothed margins (Photo: Jackie Miles)

close-up of relatively long leaf stalks and short clusters of flowers (Photo: Sheldon Navie)

close-up of reddish stems with long stinging hairs and short clusters of immature fruit (Photo: Sheldon Navie)

close-up of seeds (Photo: Jose Hernandez at USDA PLANTS Database)

young plant (Photo: Sheldon Navie)

the similar native stinging nettle (Urtica incisa), with longer and often narrower leaves (Photo: Sheldon Navie)

native stinging nettle (Urtica incisa) also has much longer flower clusters that are usually unbranched (Photo: Sheldon Navie)

the leaves and stems of the less common stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), with fine hairs between the larger stinging hairs (Photo: Trevor James)

stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has elongated flower clusters that are usually branched (Photo: Steve Adkins)

Urtica urens

Scientific Name

Urtica urens L.

Family

Urticaceae

Common Names

annual nettle, annual stinging nettle, burning nettle, bush nettle, bush stinging nettle, common stinging nettle, dog nettle, dwarf nettle, dwarf stinging nettle, English stinging nettle, lesser nettle, lesser stinging nettle, nettle, small nettle, small stinging nettle, small stinging-nettle, small-leaves stinging nettle, stinging nettle

Origin

This species has a very widespread (i.e. cosmopolitan) distribution, and its exact origin is obscure. However, it is thought to be native to parts of Europe and/or the Mediterranean region.

Naturalised Distribution

Widely naturalised, particularly in southern and eastern Australia. It is common in south-eastern Queensland, eastern and southern New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, south-eastern South Australia and south-western Western Australia. Less common or occasionally naturalised in some parts of Northern Territory and in other parts of Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. Also naturalised on Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island.

Widely naturalised overseas, including in large parts of North America (i.e. Canada and the USA).

Notes

While small nettle (Urtica urens) is mainly a weed of agricultural areas and habitation, it is sometimes also regarded as environmental weed in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.

Fact sheets are available from Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) service centres and our Customer Service Centre (telephone 13 25 23). Check our website at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au to ensure you have the latest version of this fact sheet. The control methods referred to in this fact sheet should be used in accordance with the restrictions (federal and state legislation, and local government laws) directly or indirectly related to each control method. These restrictions may prevent the use of one or more of the methods referred to, depending on individual circumstances. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this information, DEEDI does not invite reliance upon it, nor accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused by actions based on it.