False nettle, otherwise known as Boehmeria cylindrical or Urtica cylindrical, is a plant that is a member of the urticaceae family. False nettle plants have several purported medicinal and industrial uses and also have some nutritional value. You can find this plant in several regions of the world, including the U.S. and Canada.
The Basics
False nettle is any of the several flowering weeds of the genus Boehmeria that lack stinging hairs. False nettle is a bog hemp and a herbaceous plant, meaning it does not have a permanent woody stem. Many people use false nettles as flowering garden plants or pot herbs. The genus Boehmeria is also known as Boehmeria nivea, ramie, China grass or Chinese silk plant. Additionally, false nettles are tall perennial herbs that have dark-green leaves. The plant is native to tropical Asian regions.
Medicinal Uses
As an alternative medicine, false nettle has several purported benefits. According to the book "Nettles," false nettle can treat intestinal worms, acne, eczema, joint pain, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, gout and anemia. In addition, false nettle also shows positive effects treating arthritis, allergies, benign prostate hyperplasia, anaphylactic shock and hair loss. Additionally, false nettle can help treat inflammation, congestion, convulsions and high blood pressure.
Other Uses
False nettle is also an edible plant that has some nutritional value, containing both fiber and protein. Additionally, false nettle has some industrial uses, as you can use the fiber from the stems of the plant to make items such as rope and nets.
Butterfly Egg Host in U.S. and Canada
False nettles thrive in moist soil throughout Florida, Texas, South Dakota and several parts of southern Canada. This plant typically grows up to 3 feet tall and produces green foliage and small green flowers that normally bloom from July to October. During this flowering period, the red admiral butterfly uses this plant as a host for its eggs.
References
- "101 Uses for Stinging Nettles"; Piers Warren; 2006
- "Forager's Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting and Preparing Edible Wild Plants"; Samuel Thayer; 2006
- "Nettles"; Janice Schofield; 1998
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