Boehmeria platanifolia
false nettle
Overview
Boehmeria platanifolia is a herbaceous perennial in the nettle family, reaching 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) tall and 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) wide. Unlike true nettles, it carries no stinging hairs. The opposite leaves are broad and coarsely toothed, 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long, with three forward-pointing tips that resemble the foliage of a plane tree. Stems are upright and become woody at the base in mild climates. From midsummer into early autumn, slender greenish flower spikes 2–5 inches (5–13 cm) long rise from the leaf axils; the flowers are small and lack petals, with separate male and female clusters. Seed forms in dense, knobbly clusters along the spikes. The plant spreads by short rhizomes into a clump and dies back to the ground in winter where frost is hard. It grows rapidly in a single season and tolerates damp ground, though it wilts in dry, exposed sites and can self-seed where conditions suit.
Native Range
Boehmeria platanifolia is native to East Asia, including Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and parts of eastern China. It grows along stream banks, woodland margins, and moist disturbed ground at low to middle elevations.Suggested Uses
Boehmeria platanifolia is used for bold foliage in shaded and waterside plantings, woodland borders, and damp areas where many perennials struggle. It combines with ferns and moisture-loving plants, spaced 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) apart. The spreading rhizomes make it less suited to small, tightly planted beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from midsummer to early autumn, roughly July to September. The greenish spikes are 2–5 inches (5–13 cm) long and carry petal-less male and female flowers in separate clusters. They are wind-pollinated and blend with the foliage rather than standing out in color.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Medium greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Boehmeria platanifolia grows in moist, fertile soil in partial shade to full sun, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Consistent moisture produces the broadest foliage; the plant wilts during drought and recovers when watered. It tolerates a range of soils including clay and loam as long as drainage prevents standing water in winter. In hard-frost regions the top growth dies back and resprouts from the rootstock in spring. Cutting the dead stems to the ground in late winter clears the clump for new shoots. Division every three to four years limits the spread of the rhizomes.Pruning
Old stems can be cut to ground level in late winter or early spring before new shoots emerge. No other pruning is needed during the growing season. Removing spent flower spikes before seed sets reduces self-seeding, which can otherwise spread the plant into nearby beds.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring