Identifying Stinging Nettle Plants in Wisconsin
Stinging nettle is a common native plant found growing in the wild across Wisconsin. Brushing up against this herbaceous perennial can result in a painful sting leading to irritation and inflammation. Read on to learn how to identify stinging nettle, how to avoid stings, and how this unique plant is actually beneficial despite its harmful defense hairs.
Key Identifying Traits
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) emerges in spring and blooms from June to September with tiny green flowers. It thrives in nitrogen-rich moist soils near streams, thickets, forests, meadows, and trails where adequate sunlight reaches the ground. The Wisconsin native perennial can grow 3-7 feet tall on erect green stems covered in pointed leaves with serrated edges.
Where It Grows
This statuesque herb with spreading rhizomes favors disturbed areas in partial sunlight or thin woodlands. Look for stinging nettle growing along:
- Riverbeds
- Streambanks
- Floodplains
- Trails
- Forest edges
- Pastures
- Roadsides
- Ditches
Identifying Features
When distinguishing stinging nettle from other benign plants, identifying features include:
- Green leaves with coarsely toothed margins covered in stinging and non-stinging hairs on both leaf surfaces
- Distinct central leaf vein plus secondary branching veins originating from midvein to leaf margins
- Leaves arranged oppositely along quadrangular (square-shaped) green stems
- Tiny green flowers clustered in long inflorescences above oppositely arranged leaves
- Fibrous root system spreading by thick yellow rhizomes underground
How Stinging Nettle Delivers Painful Stings
Toxic Plant Hairs
The potent chemicals secreted by stinging hairs produce irritation upon skin contact, particularly when stems and leaves are brushed up against. Stinging nettle has hollow, needle-like hairs along its stems and the underside of leaves defending against grazing animals.
Painful Plant Hair Penetration
When these sharp, glass-like plant hairs make contact and penetrate skin, the consealed fluid toxin mixture consisting of acetylcholine, histamine, serotonin, and formic acid is transmitted through the hair shaft into the wound. This blend of compounds triggers a near instantaneous burning, itchy pain sensation.
Allergy-like Symptoms
A localized allergic reaction ensues as the injected fluid provokes skin redness, bumps, swelling, and warmth resembling a hive-like rash near the affected area. The toxin compounds promote inflammation, itchiness, and further skin irritation which intensifies as toxins spread.
How to Treat Stinging Nettle Rashes
Remove Toxins
The first step upon contact with stinging nettle plants is to gently remove any clinging plant hairs stuck in the skin with masking tape pressed on and lifted off. Avoid rubbing the area which can drive toxins further into the skin.
Clean and Cool
Carefully washing the exposed area with soap and cool water helps remove irritants from the skin surface. Apply a cold compress wrapped in a washcloth for 15-30 minutes which can dampen itching and swelling.
Alleviate Discomfort
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream containing 1% helps relieve discomfort from rash itching and inflammation. Oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) also reduce swelling, inflammation, and allergic skin reactions to the stinging toxin irritation.
When to Seek Medical Care
While stinging nettle irritation is rarely dangerous, the rash can worsen substantially for those highly sensitive. Seek emergency care if swelling advances beyond the localized rash or breathing difficulties emerge signaling a severe allergic reaction. Delayed serious skin reactions may necessitate antibiotics from extensive inflammation.
How to Avoid Stinging Nettle Stings
Cover Exposed Skin
Wearing closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves provides a protective barrier if walking through nettle-prone areas. Lightweight clothing minimizes discomfort and overheating if stinging nettle contact occurs.
Carry Leaves
Grasping leaves or stems of nearby plants like broadleaf dock creates a brush neutralizing stinging hairs upon contact. Using designated leaves or a solid object to push nettles aside clearing a path prevents stings through coverage.
Spot Treatments Kill Plants
Applying systemic herbicide Concentrate Spot Weed Killer containing glyphosate to fresh nettle growths prevents regrowth when spraying midsummer. Targeted application eliminates irritation risks from new plants the following year.
Dig Up Roots
Manual removal by severing stinging nettle rhizomes beneath ground with a shovel, pickaxe, or weeding tool prevents regrowth from root propagation. Wearing protective gloves reduces sting risk when extraction digging nettle plants.
Benefits and Uses for Stinging Nettle
Beyond its infamous stinging properties, the stinging nettle plant has served various beneficial purposes for centuries offering healing remedies and nutritious ingredients across many cultures globally.
Nutrient-Packed Greens
Stinging nettle leaves when boiled or steamed lose their toxic stinging chemicals making them safe for consumption as nutrient-dense cooked greens. Rich in vitamins A, C, iron, potassium, manganese, and calcium, nettle makes a mineral-rich early spring vegetable.
Herbal Medicine Uses
Dried nettle leaves brewed into tea treats inflammatory disorders like arthritis, seasonal allergies, urinary problems, and assists reproductive health. Extracted compounds from the roots, leaves, and stalk demonstrate antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory effects medically.
Natural Fiber Production
The strong Bast fibers from nettle stems historically were spun into durable yarn for weaving or made into coarse linen cloth before large-scale cotton cultivation arose. Recently, nettle stems undergo experimental processing into sustainable textiles.
Residually Benefits Butterflies
Several Wisconsin native butterflies like Milbert's Tortoiseshell, Mourning Cloak, Red Admiral rely specifically on stinging nettle as a favored egg-laying spot and sole larval host plant. Hence, preserving nettle provides essential butterfly habitat though handled carefully.
Key Takeaways
Stinging nettle commonly emerges across Wisconsin landscapes in shaded, moist areas alongside trails where brushing against plants introduces skin to an irritating toxin sting. Learn how to identify this native perennial by toothed leaves and small green flowers to avoid contact. Consider nettle’s forgotten virtues too - when harvested safely, the versatile “weed” offers nutrition and healing properties worth cherishing despite its infamous sting.
FAQs
What does stinging nettle look like?
Stinging nettle is an herbaceous perennial that grows 3-7 feet tall on green stems, has pointed oval leaves with toothed edges arranged oppositely along squares stems, and tiny green flowers clustered at top of plant.
Where does stinging nettle grow in Wisconsin?
Stinging nettle thrives statewide along trails, floodplains, thickets, forests, pastures, ditches, roadsides, and other shaded, moist disturbed areas enriched with nitrogen.
What causes the stinging sensation?
Hollow glass-like hairs covering nettle stems and some leaf undersides secrete chemicals like histamine and acetylcholine when penetrating skin that irritate localized skin areas creating a hive-like rash.
Should you pick stinging nettle?
Yes, stinging nettle has nutritional and medicinal benefits when boiled to remove stinging chemicals. The cooked leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals. Dried parts also treat inflammatory conditions. Handle using thick gloves and long sleeves when harvesting.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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