False nettle - Boehmeria cylindrica (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

False nettle

Also known as: Smallspike false nettle

The false nettle grows to be 50 to 100 cm in height with green to greenish-white flowers. Small, oval-shaped seeds of the false nettle are covered in small, hook-like hairs. This plant grows well in floodplains or bottom ground and is found across North America and into Central and South America.

Scientific classification

Species

False nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica)

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Late summer, Early fall

Harvest Time

50 cm to 1.6 m

Plant Height

30 cm to 90 cm

Spread

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of False nettle

Attributes of False nettle

Growth Rate

In spring, false nettle exhibits moderate growth, initiating a series of captivating developments. Lush foliage emerges steadily, with incremental height increase and intertwining stem networks. This moderate speed harmonizes with spring's temperatures, ensuring overall balance and healthy growth. In other seasons, false nettle's growth slows down, emphasizing spring as its prime growing period.

Distribution of False nettle

Distribution Map

False nettle, originally native to broad regions of Central and South America and parts of the Caribbean, has expanded its range to include areas in Europe. As an adaptable species, false nettle has established itself beyond its traditional habitat, becoming an introduced species on another continent.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Moist or shady ground, deciduous woods, swamps, bogs, marshes, wet meadows, ditches

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Exorcism, Protection, Healing

Interesting Facts

Although false nettle, or Boehmeria cylindrica, is in the same family as stinging nettle, it does not have the stinging hairs that give stinging nettle its name. This perennial grows small spikes of tiny green flowers and is found widely throughout the United States.

Name Story

Smallspike falsenettle: Boehmeria cylindrica is commonly known as false nettle. Although it is in the nettle family, false nettle does not have the stinging hairs that are commonly found on stinging nettle. The genus name, Boehmeria is in honor of Georg Rudolf Boehmer (1723-1803), a German botanist. The specific epithet, cylindrica, refers to cylindrical spikes that grow on the leaf axils

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Weed Control

False nettle is native to Canada and North America. It is only recorded as an invasive weed in France. It is widespread throughout the United States and most of Europe, where it does not appear as a noxious weed. False nettle is prone to invading marshes, where it disrupts native habitats and displaces at-risk species of plants. It inhabits many different habitats, from plains to bogs and prairies, in USDA zones 4a to 10b. If necessary, the weed can be controlled mechanically (via pulling) or chemically (via herbicides).

How to Control It

The best time to remove false nettle is in the late spring or early summer season, before it reaches its full growth and starts to seed. This helps prevent the weed from spreading further. The following are some organic and interesting ways to keep this plant under control:

Hand Pulling: This is the simplest and most straightforward method. Make sure to pull out the plant with its roots, this minimizes the chance of regrowth.
Smothering: This technique involves covering the area where false nettle is growing with a thick layer of organic material like straw, wood chips, or compost. The covering layer will deprive the plant of sunlight and inhibit growth.
Planting Competitive Plants: Plant fast-growing, dense plants in the area to crowd out the false nettle. Choose plants that will compete for resources and leave little space for weeds to grow.

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Quickly Identify False nettle

Opposite leaves devoid of stinging hairs distinguish false nettle from related species.

Cylindrical spikes of tiny, greenish-white wind-pollinated blooms form distinctive inflorescences.

Oval seeds with hook-like hairs for attachment have a coarse, dark brown texture.

Light green stem, round or 4-angled, with moderate thickness and slight pubescence.

Serrated leaves with smooth texture, up to 4 inches long, central vein with parallel secondary veins.

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Care Guide for False nettle

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Native to moist woodlands, false nettle prefers evenly moist soil and shows moderate drought tolerance. Water weekly to keep soil hydrated but not waterlogged. Indoors, higher humidity supports lush growth. Ensure adequate watering during the active growing season for vibrancy and robust growth cycles.

Propagation: Propagate false nettle in Spring using sowing methods. Healthy growth indicates success. Ensure well-drained soil and moderate sunlight for optimal results.

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Images of False nettle

Attributes of False nettle

Distribution of False nettle

Culture

Weed Control

Quickly Identify False nettle

Care Guide for False nettle

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