Common Nettle
Urtica dioica
Famous for its stinging hairs, the Common Nettle is a tall, upright perennial with pointed, serrated leaves. Despite the sting, it’s valuable for wildlife—caterpillars of several butterflies feed on its leaves. On Lihou, nettles often pop up in nutrient-rich or disturbed ground.
- Habitat: Field edges, hedgerows, disturbed soil, compost heaps
- When to See: Grows strongly in spring and summer; can persist year-round
- Length: Often 50–100 cm, sometimes taller