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False Nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica): Non-Stinging Wetland Plant

Overview

False nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), also called bog hemp, is a perennial herb native to eastern North American wetlands. It resembles stinging nettle but lacks stinging hairs. Has small, greenish flowers in spikes.

Botanical Details

Family:	Urticaceae
Genus:	Boehmeria (boh-MEER-ee-uh)
Species:	cylindrica (sil-IN-dree-kuh)

Ecology

Host plant for several butterfly species (e.g., question mark, comma). Grows in shade, wet soil. Used in wetland restoration. Fibers historically used for cordage. Not edible.

Herbs: Salvia uliginosa: Bog Sage with Sky-Blue Flowers; Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus): Brown Indian Hemp Fiber Crop; Duchesnea chrysantha: False Strawberry – Yellow Flowers, Red Insipid Fruit; Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Aromatic Evergreen Herb for Kitchen and Garden; Catnip (Nepeta cataria): The Feline Favorite Herb; Borage (Borago officinalis): Starflower for Bees and Cuisine; Comfrey (Symphytum officinale): Healing Herb and Dynamic Accumulator; Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica): Nutritious Weed with a Sting; False Oregano (Lippia micromera): Tropical Aromatic Shrub; Mexican Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia): Tiny Flowers for Edging and Containers

Garden Articles

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Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium): Delicate Anise-Flavored Herb for Spring

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): Ancient Spice and Medicinal Legume

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): Endangered Native Medicinal Herb of Eastern Forests

Dill (Anethum graveolens): Classic Culinary Annual

Plants

Caraway (Carum carvi): Biennial Spice and Medicinal Seed

Common Myrtle (Myrtus communis): Fragrant, Evergreen Mediterranean Shrub for Topiary and Hedges

Anise (Pimpinella anisum): Sweet, Licorice-Flavored Annual for Seeds and Leaves

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): The Sweet Root of Herbal Medicine and Confectionery

Dorstenia bahiensis: Unusual Tropical Fig Relative with Shield-Shaped Flowers

Catstongue (Priva lappulacea): Tropical Groundcover with Sticky Seeds

Sesame (Sesamum indicum): Ancient Oilseed Crop for Seeds and Oil