Laportea canadensis
wood nettle
Overview
Laportea canadensis is a herbaceous perennial in the nettle family, growing 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall from a spreading root system in moist woodlands. Unlike most nettles, its thin, broadly oval leaves are alternate rather than opposite, 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long, coarsely toothed, and tapering to a point. Stems and leaves bear stinging hairs that inject formic acid and other compounds on contact, raising a burning rash that fades within hours. In mid- to late summer, branched clusters of tiny greenish flowers form in the leaf axils and at the stem tips; male and female flowers are separate, the female clusters spreading and the upper ones more erect. Small, flattened, curved seeds follow. The plant spreads by seed and by creeping rhizomes to form large colonies on rich, damp ground. It grows in floodplain forests, stream banks, seeps, and shaded ravines across eastern North America. The sting limits its garden use, and the spreading habit can crowd smaller plants. Foliage dies back to the ground each winter.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, from eastern Canada west to the Great Plains and south to the Gulf states. It grows in moist, rich woodlands, floodplains, stream banks, seeps, and shaded ravines.Suggested Uses
Grown in shaded native plant gardens, rain gardens, and moist woodland restorations where its colonies stabilise streambanks. It serves as a larval host for several butterfly species, including commas and red admirals. The stinging foliage suits naturalised areas away from paths and seating.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Tiny greenish flowers open in mid- to late summer in branched clusters from the leaf axils and stem tips. Male and female flowers are borne separately on the same plant. Small curved seeds ripen by early autumn.
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