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Laportea canadensis

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Laportea canadensis
Scientific classification
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L. canadensis
Binomial name
Laportea canadensis
Synonyms[1]
  • Laportea canadensis (L.) Gaudich.
  • Laportea divaricata (L.) Lunell
  • Laportea pustulata (Liebm.) Wedd.
  • Urtica canadensis L.
  • Urtica divaricata L.
  • Urtica pustulata Liebm.
  • Urticastrum divaricatum (L.) Kuntze

Laportea canadensis, commonly called Canada nettle[2] or wood-nettle, is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant of the nettle family Urticaceae, native to eastern and central North America. It is found growing in open woods with moist rich soils and along streams and in drainages.[3]

Description

Laportea canadensis grows from tuberous roots to a height of 30 to 150 centimeters, and can be rhizomatous, growing into small clumps. Plants have both stinging and non stinging hairs on the foliage and the stems. It has whitish green flowers, produced from spring to early fall.

Sting

When the stinging nettles come in contact with the skin, the unlucky individual is dealt a painful burning stinging sensation, sometimes with barbs left in the skin. The skin can turn red and blister, and blisters can last for several days.

References

  1. ^ "The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species".
  2. ^ "Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System". Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  3. ^ David E. Boufford. "Urticaceae". Flora of North America.