Boehmeria cylindrica
false nettle
Overview
Boehmeria cylindrica is a herbaceous perennial in the nettle family, growing 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall on slender, upright stems in wet ground. Despite the name, it lacks stinging hairs. The opposite leaves are oval to lance-shaped, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long, coarsely toothed, with three main veins and a rough upper surface. From midsummer into early autumn, small greenish flowers crowd into slim, cylindrical spikes 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long that rise from the leaf axils; male and female flowers may sit on the same or separate plants, the female spikes denser and knobbly with age. The plant spreads slowly by short rhizomes and self-seeds in damp soil, forming loose stands. It grows in marshes, swamps, wet woods, ditches, and stream banks across eastern and central North America. It tolerates flooding and deep shade but needs steady moisture and declines in dry soil. The greenish flowers are inconspicuous, and the foliage dies back each winter.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, from southern Canada south to Florida, Texas, and into Central America and the Caribbean. It grows in marshes, swamps, wet woodlands, ditches, and along streams and ponds.Suggested Uses
Grown in rain gardens, bog gardens, pond edges, and shaded wetland restorations for its tolerance of wet, shaded ground. It serves as a larval host for red admiral, question mark, and comma butterflies. The plant suits naturalistic plantings where few other species thrive in wet shade.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight