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smallspike false nettle

Scientific Name: Boehmeria cylindrica

Family: Urticaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Smallspike False Nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica)

Considerations for Pets

  • While related to nettles, Boehmeria cylindrica lacks stinging hairs, which may reduce potential skin irritation for pets.

Considerations for Children

  • While related to nettles, Boehmeria cylindrica lacks stinging hairs, which may reduce potential skin irritation for children.

Boehmeria cylindrica, commonly known as Smallspike False Nettle or Bog Hemp, is an herbaceous plant belonging to the Nettle family (Urticaceae).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw.
  • Common Names: Smallspike False Nettle, False Nettle, Bog Hemp
  • Family: Urticaceae (Nettle Family)
  • Synonyms: Boehmeria austrina, Boehmeria cylindrica var. drummondiana
  • Order: Urticales
  • Genus: Boehmeria Jacq. (false nettle)

Distribution and Habitat

  • This plant is widespread in eastern North America and the Great Plains.
  • It prefers wet-mesic and semi-shady sites.
  • It is common in moist soil.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The stems are erect and usually branched.
  • Plants are usually monoecious, rarely dioecious.
  • They are glabrate or strigose, without stinging hairs.
  • Leaves are cauline (growing on the stem).
  • It features stringy heads of tiny yellow-green flowers, or spikes to 4 inches long of tiny green to greenish-white flowers.
  • It is a perennial herb.
  • Can reach heights of 3-4 feet.

Ecological Role

  • Boehmeria cylindrica serves as a host plant for certain butterflies, including the red admiral, eastern comma, and question mark.

Quirky Facts

  • Smallspike False Nettle is sometimes confused with Canadian Wood nettle.
  • Some wildflower books distinguish this species from other members of the Boehmeria genus.
  • Some people find False Nettle "better" than Stinging Nettle in terms of avoiding skin irritation when walking through the woods.

Further Information

  • USDA PLANTS Database: https://plants.usda.gov
  • Discover Life: Information on biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution.
  • Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
  • Wikimedia Commons