COMMON NETTLE. 



Use. The leaves, which are put forth in great profusion, 

 are used in the form of Spinach. The juice of the fruit 

 affords a beautiful but not permanent purple color. 



COMMON NETTLE. 

 Large Stinging Nettle. Urtica dioica. 



The Common Nettle is a hardy, herbaceous perennial, 

 growing naturally and abundantly by waysides and in waste 

 places, " but is seldom seen where the hand of man has not 

 been at work, and may, therefore, be considered a sort of 

 domestic plant." The stem is erect, branching, four-sided, 

 and from three to five feet in height ; the leaves are opposite, 

 heart-shaped at the base, toothed on the borders, and thickly 

 set with small, stinging, hair-like bristles ; the flowers are 

 produced in July and August, and are small, green, and with- 

 out beauty ; the seeds are very small, and are produced in 

 great abundance, a single plant sometimes yielding nearly 

 a hundred thousand. 



Propagation and Culture. The Nettle will thrive in 

 almost any soil or situation. Though it may be propagated 

 from seeds, it is generally increased by a division of the 

 roots, which may be made in spring or autumn. These 

 should be set in rows two feet apart, and a foot apart in 

 the rows. 



Use. " Early in April the tops will be found to have 

 pushed three or four inches, furnished with tender leaves. 

 In Scotland, Poland, and Germany, these are gathered, as a 

 pot-herb for soups or for dishes, like Spinach ; and their pe- 

 culiar flavor is by many much esteemed. No plant is better 

 adapted for forcing ; and in winter or spring it may be 

 made to form an excellent substitute for Cabbage, Coleworts, 

 or Spinach. Collect the creeping roots, and plant them either 



