Family: Urticaceae
Author: (L.) Wedd.
Bibliography: Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 4, 1: 181 (1854)
Year: 1854
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Laportea
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. Canada to Mexico
Description
Wood-nettle, scientifically named Laportea canadensis, is a perennial plant belonging to the Urticaceae family. This plant was first described in the scientific literature in the year 1854, in the Annales des Sciences Naturelles, Botanique, 4th series, volume 1, page 181. The authoritative classification is credited to the botanist Weddell, who adapted the initial nomenclature given by Linnaeus.
This herbaceous plant can be found across a diverse range, extending from Central and Eastern Canada down to Mexico. Wood-nettle is well adapted to thrive in these varying climates and regions, often inhabiting moist, wooded areas, hence its common name. It is characterized by its nettle-like appearance, with leaves and stems that can cause a stinging sensation upon contact due to the presence of tiny, hair-like structures filled with irritants.
Wood-nettle plays a significant role in the ecosystems where it is present, often forming part of the underbrush layer in forests. Despite its stinging nature, this plant is an important part of the habitat for various wildlife species. Furthermore, it has been noted for its traditional medicinal uses by various Indigenous peoples and continues to be of interest for its potential benefits.
Engagement with Wood-nettle should be approached cautiously to avoid the discomfort of direct contact with its stinging hairs. Nonetheless, its ecological value and contributions to biodiversity within its native range highlight the intricate balances present in natural habitats spanning from Canada to Mexico.
Common Names
Eng: canada lettuce, canada woodnettle, canadian wood-nettle, canadian woodnettle, wood-nettle, canada wood nettle, canada nettle, wood nettle
Deu: kanadische strauchnessel
Swe: kanadanässla
Fra: laportéa du canada, ortie des bois, ortie du canada
En: Wood-nettle, Canadian woodnettle, Itchweed, Canadian Wood-Nettle, CANADA LETTUCE, CANADA WOODNETTLE, Canada wood nettle, Canada nettle, Wood nettle
Fr: Laportéa du Canada, Ortie des bois, Ortie du Canada
De: Kanadische Strauchnessel
Sv: Kanadanässla
Synonyms
- Urticastrum divaricatum var. ovatifolium (Kuntze)
- Fleurya divaricata ((L.) Gaudich.)
- Urticastrum divaricatum var. canadense ((L.) Kuntze)
- Oblixilis divaricatus (Raf.)
- Oblixilis canadensis ((L.) Raf.)
- Urtica divaricata (L.)
- Laportea canadensis var. pustulata ((Liebm.) Wedd.)
- Urtica whitlowii (Muhl.)
- Urticastrum divaricatum ((L.) Kuntze)
- Laportea divaricata ((L.) Lunell)
- Sclepsion divaricatum (Raf. ex Wedd.)
- Urtica pustulata (Liebm.)
- Urtica canadensis var. minor (Hook.)
- Laportea pustulata (Wedd.)
- Fleurya canadensis ((L.) Benth.)
- Urtica canadensis (L.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 21, 2019 by Daniel Ross (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 2, 2022 by Delia Ryan (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 11, 2022 by Brenden Godbold (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Sep 7, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2022 by malot w (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 9, 2022 by Oosaagi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2021 by Jikki Masu (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 17, 2015 by EOL − cdavis5 (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2984463)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30335783-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Laportea canadensis (L.) Wedd.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb