When it get along to the difference between nettle and cutting nettle , it ’s important to elucidate that “ nettle ” is a broad term that can refer to several different plant . Stinging nettle , on the other helping hand , specifically refer to the mutual nettle ( Urtica dioica ) and its hybrids . So , stinging nettle is a type of nettle , but not all nettles are stick nettles .

nettle are herbaceous shrubs that go to the Urticaceae family . They are found in various regions around the macrocosm and have been used for century for their medicative and culinary properties . The full term “ nettle ” is often used to describe plant that have similar characteristics to stinging nettle , including their show and outgrowth habit .

Stinging nettle , or Urtica dioica , is the most well - have it away and unwashed case of nettle . It is native to Europe , Asia , northern Africa , and North America . Stinging nettle gets its name from the ok hairs on its leaves and stems that contain formic Lucy in the sky with diamonds , histamine , and other irritants . When these hairs come into impinging with the skin , they can cause a stinging sensation , rubor , and itching .

Apart from stinging nettle , there are other types of nettles such as the Australian nettle ( Urtica incisa ) and the wood nettle ( Laportea canadensis ) . While these nettles may share some similarity with twinge nettle , they have distinct gadget characteristic that prepare them apart .

Here are a few key difference of opinion between burn nettle and other types of nettles :

1 . Appearance : Stinging nettle typically grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet ( 0.6 to 1.2 meters ) and has heart - shape leaf with serrate edges . The leaves and stems are covered in bite hairs . Other type of nettle may have different leaf shapes and sizes .

2 . Sting : Stinging nettle is ill-famed for its sore sting , triggered by its tiny pilus that throw in irritants into the peel . This edged sensation can last for several minutes or even 60 minutes . Some other nettle coinage may also have stinging hairs , but the intensity of the sting may vary .

3 . Geographic Distribution : sting nettle is found in moderate regions of Europe , Asia , northern Africa , and North America . Other character of nettles may have dissimilar native ranges . For exemplar , the Australian nettle is native to Australia and New Zealand .

4 . medicative Uses : Stinging nettle has a prospicient history of medicative use . Its leave of absence , stems , and root are racy in vitamins , minerals , and bioactive compounds . It is normally used to treat conditions such as arthritis , allergic reaction , and urinary tract infection . While other types of nettle may also have medicative property , their specific utilization may differ .

5 . Culinary Uses : sting nettle leaves can be cook or steam and used as a alimental addition to soups , stews , and teas . The twinge pilus are typically neutralized through preparation or drying . Other types of nettles may also be used in cookery , but their flavors and culinary covering may alter .

It ’s deserving noting that the term “ nettle ” is often used interchangeably , and the specific character of nettle being referred to may vary depending on the context . When discussing the edged nettle , it ’s important to clarify its scientific name , Urtica dioica , to avoid confusion with other nettle species .

Stinging nettle is a specific type of nettle , known for its stinging hairs and widespread dispersion . While other types of nettle may share some characteristics , such as appearance and medicinal U.S.A. , they may have distinct differences in terms of sting intensity , geographical distribution , and culinary applications .

Caroline Bates