Stinging Nettle, Bull Nettle, Tread Softly, Finger Rot

On May 14, 2009, AGMAN from Zwolle, LA wrote:

Bull Nettle aka Stinging Nettle grows near my home in Sabine Parish, Louisiana. I rated the plant neutral for two reasons. 1. If the plant comes in contact with bare skin the consequential stinging and associated itching is downright unpleasant and, depending on the exposure, may warrant a trip to the emergency room--especially children.
2. My brother and I would use heavy leather gloves to rub the fine hair like spines from the tri-lobed mature seed pods. A propane torch works better (we have more tools now). Break the seed pods open to find a nut (seed) with an very crunchy, thin, brown, and edible nut covering. The inside of the capsule is creamy white and is delicious (something like an english walnut.) Everything except the brown capsule should be discarded. The nut is appr... read moreoximately 0.375"-0.500" inches long. The nuts/seeds taste great, however extreme care should be taken not to ingest the spines on the outer covering of the seed pod or for that matter any other part of the plant. My dad showed us how to harvest these nuts--at first we did not follow directions. Enjoy Agman.

On May 22, 2008, wadeolsen from Titusville, FL wrote:

The "Tread Softly" is prevalent throughout the coastal areas of the Florida panhandle. I experienced, first-hand, how dangerous it can be to those who are hyper-sensitive by having a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. I nearly died with-in one hour of stepping on this plant. I didn't know about Epi-Pens back then nor did the EMS crew administer anything throughout the 30 ambulance ride to the ER. Needless to say I'm not much of an outdoors' type anymore because of this and the threat of Fire Ant stings (one will kill me as well).

On Oct 26, 2005, c_etude from Winter Haven, FL wrote:

If you plant seeds in large pots in good quality soil, they can get quite large without becoming invasive. I consider these a good "watch plant" that can be grown near windows to discouage burglars. This plant-and to add to security--with poison ivy in pots, are even better. If someone goes where they should not be-like intending to burglarize, these crims DESERVE a face full of lovely aggressive stinging nettles. Mean plants can have their uses, and that includes personal protection. When it comes to personal protection, the meaner the plant...THE BETTER!

Of course, in order to remove weeds around stinging nettles, you need a good L-O-N-G hoe or weeder to stay clear away from these plants :-) but fortunately they aren't too picky about growing conditions :-) Why are these... read more called a "weed" is beyond me. They can contribute to home security.

On May 10, 2005, frostweed from Josephine, Arlington, TX (Zone 8a) wrote:

The Stinging Nettle, or Bull Nettle can be dangerous if not handled properly, but in the right situation it is a fascinating plant, because of such beautiful flowers on such a dangerous plant.
The flowers look and smell like Stephanotis, and are not caustic at all.
I love to carefully pick them and smell them. A beautiful fragrant corsage can be made with them.
Bull Nettle is native to Texas and other States.

On Apr 27, 2003, laneybob from Lake Park, GA wrote:

I have stinging nettle in my yard and it is such a pest. Once, before I knew how it could hurt you, I pulled a plant up with my bare hand. The itching was agonizing! My neighbor told me to get three different types of leaves and to rub the affected places with it and that it would stop the itching. I did as he said and it worked. I guess the oils of the other leaves acted as a type of neutralizer. Now if only I could get rid of these pesty plants! Laney

On Nov 29, 2002, FL_Gator from Dunnellon, FL (Zone 8b) wrote:

This plant is a weed here. I have yet to see any form of wildlife utilize this plant. I am always removing it from the garden--very carefully because the stings are painful if "got."

On May 2, 2002, Lilith from Durham,
United Kingdom (Zone 8a) wrote:

A species notorious on account of the stinging hairs which cover most of the plant. Brushed lightly, the brittle tip of the stiff hair breaks off depositing a small drop of Formic Acid which causes the stinging sensation. Young shoots, rich in Vitimin C, can be eaten; the stinging action is destroyed by cooking. Some populations of the Common Nettle do not sting, but the reputation of the species ensures that those are rarely detected.