Canada nettle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canada nettle |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
The Canada nettle, also known as wood-nettle, is a plant found in eastern and central North America. Its scientific name is Laportea canadensis. This plant belongs to the nettle family, called Urticaceae. You can often find it growing in damp, rich soil in open forests, near streams, and in wet areas. It can live for just one year (annual) or many years (perennial).
About the Canada Nettle Plant
The Canada nettle grows from special roots that look like small tubers. It can reach a height of about 30 to 150 centimeters (about 1 to 5 feet). This plant can also spread underground using stems called rhizomes, forming small groups of plants.
Its leaves and stems have two kinds of hairs: some that sting and some that don't. The plant produces small, whitish-green flowers. These flowers appear from spring all the way into early fall. Unlike its close relative, the common nettle, the Canada nettle has leaves that grow one after another on opposite sides of the stem (called alternate leaves). Most of its leaves also grow higher up on the stem.
What Happens if You Touch It?
If your skin touches the stinging hairs of the Canada nettle, you might feel a painful, burning, stinging feeling. Sometimes, tiny barbs from the plant can even get stuck in your skin. The skin might turn red and small blisters can appear. These blisters can sometimes last for a few days.
