Canadian Woodnettle

Laportea canadensis

Native to:
Canada, Mexico, United States

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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,sep
Bloom Colors:
green, 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:
butterflies, birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fall Color:
yellow

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 light for germination. Cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI