Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Urticaceae

Genus:

Urtica

Species:

Urtica ballotifolia

USDA Symbol:

URBA3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

150 cm

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug

Bloom Colors:

greenish

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

butterflies, birds

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best after cold stratification; surface sow on moist soil.