Urticaceae is a small family in Montana, with only 4 species. Some are annual herbs, others are perennials, then die back each year and sprout up new growth from an underground root network. Any large (3 ft tall or more) nettle encountered is certain to be a form of Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle). Worldwide, the family consists of about 40 genera and 1000 species, widely distributed but mainly tropical and subtropical. In Urticaceae, the plant grows as a large main stem, the leaves are in opposite pairs, and the flowers concentrate in clusters from the leaf axils. The flowers do not have petals
Guide to Identify Presented Species of the Nettle Family
PLANT WITH STINGING HAIRS AND TOOTHED LEAVES
Urtica dioica – Stinging Nettle Plant 50-300 cm tall, with stinging hairs. Moist, rich sites, plains to montane.
Flowers greenish, 1-2 mm long, numerous in hanging clusters from leaf axils.
Leaves opposite, narrowly lance- to heart-shaped, 4-15 cm long, saw-toothed.
Alphabetical listing with links to presented species of the Nettle family:
