Nettle Identification

Both stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) and wood nettle (Laportea canadensis) are tasty and nutritious spring-time wild edibles, but how do you tell them apart? More importantly, how do you distinguish them from non-edible look alikes? Watch this video to find out!

Please note: when I say "non-edible" I do not mean poisonous! I simply mean that clearweeds and false nettle are generally considered unpalatable. However, apparently some people eat them, so feel free to try them if you wish!

Another note: I no longer believe that drying destroys cystoliths, but I also don't think they present any danger to most people. (In fact, it seems like they're a great source of calcium!) See this article for more info.


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