Japanese Nettle

A perennial in the nettle family, native to mountain forest edges and valley streams from Hokkaidō to Kyūshū. The leaves and stems bear stinging hairs that inject histamine and formic acid, causing painful urtication. Related to the European stinging nettle (U. dioica), its young leaves — once the stinging hairs are neutralized by boiling — have a long tradition of use as sansai and a herb. The fibre has historically been used for cloth, including in Ainu clothing.

Identification Points

• ✓Stinging hairs on leaves and stems
• ✓Opposite ovate leaves with coarse teeth
• ✓Monoecious; small greenish-white flowers

Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification

Phylogenetic Positionイラクサ科 →