Stinging Nettle
Perennial & invasive weed
Stinging nettle is a vigorous perennial of fertile, often neglected ground. It spreads from a small clump into a tall colony and is unpleasant to brush against because its hairs sting. It can be useful in a deliberately wild corner, where a patch supports butterflies, but it needs firm boundaries near paths and crops.
How to identify it
Plants have opposite, pointed leaves with coarse saw-toothed edges and a rough texture, carried on square stems. Both leaves and stems bear stinging hairs. Mature growth is usually 50-150 cm tall, with small greenish flower clusters hanging from the upper leaf axils in summer. Underground, nettles spread through yellow creeping roots that branch widely, as well as by seed. New shoots often appear together in dense clumps.
Where it grows
Stinging nettle occurs throughout the UK in rich soil, compost areas, hedge bottoms, shed sides, neglected borders and allotment margins. It emerges in spring and grows rapidly through summer, particularly where nitrogen is plentiful and ground is lightly shaded. Rhizomes can push into neighbouring beds from an unmanaged edge.
Why it is a problem
Nettles crowd out smaller plants, compete in vegetable plots and make access uncomfortable, especially along narrow paths. Their roots spread beneath the soil and broken pieces may make fresh shoots. Seed production can add to the problem if flowering stems are left standing, allowing patches to expand beyond their intended area.
How to control it
Wear sturdy gloves and cover exposed skin before tackling nettles. Fork out the yellow creeping roots, following them beyond the visible stems and removing pieces from the soil carefully. Repeatedly cut or hoe young regrowth in dry weather to exhaust remaining roots, and remove flower stems before seed forms. A thick mulch or light-excluding cover helps suppress a cleared patch. Keep any retained wildlife patch well away from cultivated beds and paths.
Commonly confused with
Dead-nettles have similar opposite leaves but do not sting and have obvious white, pink or purple flowers. Young nettles can also resemble mint, though nettle leaves are more sharply toothed, carry stinging hairs and lack the characteristic mint scent.
Stinging Nettle: frequently asked questions
How do I identify stinging nettle?
Plants have opposite, pointed leaves with coarse saw-toothed edges and a rough texture, carried on square stems.
How do I get rid of stinging nettle?
Wear sturdy gloves and cover exposed skin before tackling nettles.
Where does stinging nettle grow?
Stinging nettle occurs throughout the UK in rich soil, compost areas, hedge bottoms, shed sides, neglected borders and allotment margins.
General guidance for UK gardens and allotments, focused on prevention and non-chemical control. For a confirmed identification, the RHS or a local garden centre can help. Page updated 18 Sep 2026.