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I have never looked for seed on stinging nettles, but I think it must be produced in some quantity, although there would be a risk (of stings) involved in collecting seed.
I don't think I should offer to look for seed of our Australian species and risk adding another troublesome weed to the US.
I think if I were wanting to grow stinging nettles, I would mark down a patch and wait for the main growing stems to die down in the Autumn and then then dig up a small piece of the perennial rootstock. I think they would transplant pretty easily, but you would want to grow them in an out of the way moist corner as it is very easy to get stung by them.
Perhaps you need to grow the antidote nearby. Various species of Rumex, the Dock Leaves, are the traditional antidote to the stinging nettle stings. You pick large leaves from the dock and crush them by rubbing them over the stings.
Hm, it appears I need to find some dock, as I have had no luck eradicating the stinging nettles from my yard! I had no idea they served as a host plant for moths and butterflies. They are actually growing a mere 10 feet or so from the butterfly garden I planted!
I would caution anyone who is considering planting nettles as a host plant, to find some way to contain them. They are extremely difficult to get rid of! I've spent 7 years trying to dig them out, and they still return every spring, stronger and healthier than ever.
And boy, do they ever live up to their name. . . They truly do sting!
Thanks for a fascinating article! I learned a lot!
Thanks Angie, yes I agree that planting them in the garden needs great caution unless you have a wild corner right out of the way, but the rewards for getting these butterflies breeding in trhe garden is a great one,
