False nettle from Cecelia, South Carolina

Posted on |

This was growing out of drainage hole in pot of a native azalea I purchased last Spring. I planned to plant the azalea in Fall so I just let it grow to see what turns up. It is about 18″ long at this time. I had to break it off at the drainage hole but appears the bottom end of the stem was right at the roots, as it appears little brownish, a little rougher and larger than the rest of the stem. Anyway, just snapped photo today after pulling it out of hole. Thanks for your help.

Hi Cecelia,

your plant is Boehmeria cylindrica, the false nettle.  It is in the nettle family, Urticaceae,  but it does not sting.  It is a native common in moist or wet areas.

Sincerely,

Steven Hill, Ph.D., Botanist, SCNPS

Comments are closed.