The
common nettle is abundant in the UK and is native to river banks, hedgerows,
grassy areas and near buildings where the ground is littered with rubble. It
favours woodland clearings and areas with a soil PH level between 5.0 and 8.0,
struggling to penetrate hard compacted soil, preferring an open textured soil. As
a perennial weed, the nettle is troublesome around the margins of arable fields
and in gardens. It has a hairy appearance and will sting and cause a reddish
bumpy rash when touched.
The species usually flowers from May to
September, although not in its first year. Plants bear only male or female
flowers (not hermaphrodite) which are usually wind pollinated. The
concentration of phosphate in the soil can influence seedling distribution
however a low concentration can restrict early growth. The specimen I have pictured
was growing in the front garden of a house in a densely built up area.
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