Victor Farjalla, no rights reserved (CC0) · Wikimedia Commons

Urera spp.

urera

Urticaceae

Tropical America, tropical Africa, Madagascar, and the Hawaiian Islands

Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Urera spp. is a genus of about 35 species of shrubs, small trees, and woody climbers in the nettle family, Urticaceae, found in tropical and subtropical America, Africa, Madagascar, and the Hawaiian Islands. Many species are armed with stinging hairs on their stems and leaves that release irritant compounds on contact, producing a burning, nettle-like sting; a few species lack them. Plants typically grow 6-30 ft (2-9 m) tall, with large ovate to heart-shaped leaves that can reach 12 in (30 cm) long and prominent veining. Most species are dioecious, carrying small greenish to pink flowers in branched clusters, followed by small fleshy fruits that are eaten and dispersed by birds. Growth is fast in warm, humid conditions, and the genus is restricted to frost-free climates, with most species damaged at temperatures near freezing. Several Hawaiian species, known as opuhe, are rare in the wild and the subject of conservation programs. The pairing of large leaves and stinging hairs makes dense stands hard to clear by hand.

Native Range

The genus ranges through tropical America from Mexico and the Caribbean to Brazil and Argentina, across tropical Africa and Madagascar, and on the Hawaiian Islands, where several endemic species occur. U. baccifera is widespread in the American tropics.

Suggested Uses

Grown in tropical and subtropical gardens as informal screening and as part of native plantings in their home ranges, and maintained in botanical collections for the rare Hawaiian species. Stinging species are generally sited away from high-traffic areas.

How to Identify

Look for shrubs or scrambling woody stems bearing large ovate to heart-shaped leaves with toothed margins and conspicuous veins. On most species the stems and leaf surfaces carry stinging hairs that cause a sharp sting when touched. Small greenish to pink flowers are grouped in branched clusters, with male and female flowers usually on separate plants, and female plants ripen small fleshy fruits.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 30'

Width/Spread6' - 15'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering is concentrated in the warm, wet season and can occur over much of the year in equatorial climates. The small wind- and insect-visited flowers are not showy, and female plants follow them with clusters of small fleshy fruits that colour as they ripen.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

greenish to pink

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-4 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Across the genus, Urera spp. grows in full sun to partial shade in moist, fertile, well-drained soil and tolerates a pH from about 5.5 to 7.0. Plants grow quickly in warm, humid conditions and are restricted to frost-free climates, with damage near 32 F (0 C). Steady moisture supports the large leaves, and growth slows under drought. The stinging hairs on most species remain irritant on plants grown near paths or seating. In cultivation the plants are cut back to control size and spread. Propagation is by seed or cuttings.

Pruning

Plants tolerate cutting back to control height and spread, resprouting from the base and lower stems. Pruning is done in the warm season when growth is active. Cut stems and foliage retain their stinging hairs, so they are handled with gloves.