Sunday, 18 August 2013

Hemp Nettle

Not one to mess with
 
 
some unreliable reports say that the flowers of this are edible but others say that it's poisonous, even to the extent of causing serious paralysis!
 
There is fiber on the stem so it can be utilised for cordage, so it does have a use but I feel this plant is best admired and left alone!

2 comments:

  1. I have eaten stinging nettle numerous times over the years and have never had any ill effects. The leaves must be steamed or boiled to remove the stinging properties.

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    1. Yes, the common stinging nettle (urtica dioica) has a multitude of uses, the plant above is Galeopsis tetrahit, it's not related.

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