May 23rd marks the start of ‘Be Nice to Nettles Week’. It aims to raise awareness of this well known and important plant, which is normally regarded as a species to remove from our gardens. But before you do that consider the benefits of this plant and how it can help your garden.

The nettle (Urtica dioica) is a highly successful plant found all over the temperate areas of the world. It spreads by means of seeds and underground rhizomes that creep around just under the surface of the soil. The plant itself can be found in a variety of habitats and soil types. It prefers rich soils and therefore does well around human settlements benefiting from the waste we produce – often indicating where old settlements have long since disappeared from the countryside.

The Latin name of the plant dioica means 'two houses' – this refers to the fact that the male and female flowers are normally carried on separate plants.

It is possible that the English 'nettle' name is derived from Noedl meaning a needle – referring to the stinging mechanism in the nettle leaves. Others suggest that it comes from the Latin nere and other similar old European verbs meaning to sew.

The stinging structure of the nettle is very similar to the hypodermic needle – each sting is actually a hollow hair stiffened by silica with a swollen base that contains the venom. The tip of this hair is very brittle and when brushed against, no matter how lightly, it breaks off exposing a sharp point that penetrates the skin and delivers its stinging payload.

Remember when stung a natural remedy will often be found close at hand. The leaves of the dock contain chemicals that neutralise the sting and also cool the skin.

The stinging hairs of the nettle developed as a defence against grazing animals. So effective are they that few grazers, with the exception of goats and hungry sheep, will touch nettles when the stings are active.

The sting of our native nettle is nothing compared to some of its tropical cousins! One species in Timor causes a burning sensation and symptoms like lockjaw which can last for days or weeks!

Nettles and Wildlife

The stinging nettle is one of the most important native plants for wildlife in the UK, supporting over 40 species of insect including some of our most colourful butterflies.

The most notable nettle patch inhabitants are the small tortoiseshell and peacock butterfly larvae, which feed in large groups hidden in silken tents at the top of the nettle stems.

Many nettle patches hold overwintering aphids which swarm around the fresh spring growth and provide an early food source for ladybirds. These same aphids are eaten in large numbers by blue tits and other woodland birds agile enough to dart around the stems.

In late summer the huge quantity of seed produced provide a food source for many of our seed-eating birds.

It can be seen that the nettle plays a very important role for both rural and urban wildlife – indeed some of the insect species such as the nettle weevil live only in the nettle patch.

Nettles and People

Humans have used nettles for food, clothing and medicine.

Nettle teas and cordial can be bought from the supermarket and in some parts of the country it is possible to buy nettle wine or beer. It is added to speciality foods, such as cheese and spaghetti, as a flavouring and colour. Health and wholefood shops sell nettle hair shampoos and conditioners.

The nettle has a long history as a medicinal herb. Some of the claims made in the past are now being scientifically tested and nettles are being prescribed to treat disorders such as diseases of the prostate, allergies and arthritic conditions. They are a valuable ingredient of herbal tonics, tinctures and homeopathic preparations.

Finally is the potential use of nettle fibre. Research projects in Europe are trying to find ways of cultivating nettles and processing them in an economical way so that the nettle fibre might be produced commercially, either for textiles or composite materials.

Nettles in the garden

Although just a weed to many gardeners, the nettle has a lot to offer the resourceful gardener. In the organic garden the nettle is host to ladybirds in the early part of the year, which prey on aphids attacking the crop plants later in the summer.

Nettles leaves are also a great addition to the compost heap being rich in nitrogen they provide the fuel for the bacteria to break down the more woody material in the heap.

Perhaps the best use of nettles in the garden is as a nutritious plant food that can be easily brewed. As well as providing a rich supply of minerals to your garden plants if sprayed over the foliage it deters pest species and prevents fungal diseases.

So how about allowing a nettle patch or two in your garden?