Canadian Woodnettle
Laportea canadensis
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © mdovciak (iNaturalist #57952774)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Urticaceae
- Genus:
- Laportea
- Species:
- Laportea canadensis
- USDA Symbol:
- LACA3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- greenish white
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Green-patched Looper (Diachrysia balluca), Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma), Milbert's Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Banded Tussock Moth (Halysidota tessellaris) Butterflies:Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma), Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded, forested areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 30-60 days; sow in fall or after stratification in spring.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Source: Claude AI