SafePlants

False Nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica)

Considerations for Pets

• While often described as lacking stinging hairs, some sources mention their occasional presence.

Considerations for Children

• Resembles stinging nettles, which could lead to accidental contact if misidentified.
• Grows to a height of 1.5 to 4 feet (45-120cm), meaning children may frequently come into contact with it.

Common Names

• False Nettle
• Smallspike false nettle
• Bog Hemp

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw.
• Family: Urticaceae (Nettle Family)
• Genus: Boehmeria (Contains approximately 47-100 species)
• Synonyms:
  • Boehmeria austrina
  • Boehmeria cylindrica var. drummondiana
  • Boehmeria scabra (Porter) Small.
  • Urtica cylindrica L.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North, Central, and South America.
• Widespread in eastern North America and the Great Plains.
• Prefers wet-mesic and semi-shady sites.
• Found in rich, moist forests, riparian forests, swamps, and floodplain forests.
• Thrives in moist, but well-drained sandy and loamy soils.

Morphological Characteristics

• Herbaceous perennial plant.
• Grows to about 1.5 to 4 feet high (45-120cm).
• Stems are light green and branching occasionally.
• Lacks stinging hairs (though some sources mention their occasional presence).
• Has stringy heads of tiny yellow-green flowers.
• Inflorescence shape is distinctive.
• Spikes to 4 inches long of tiny green to greenish-white flowers.
• Textured foliage likened to sycamores.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Host plant for Red Admiral, Question Mark, and Eastern Comma butterflies (larval host).
• Red Admiral caterpillars construct nests or leaf shelters on this plant.
• Attracts butterflies.

Quirky Facts

• Some sources mention that its textured foliage is likened to that of a sycamore tree but with more parted lobes.

Further Information

• Discover Life: Discover Life's page about Boehmeria cylindrica