Boehmeria cylindrica – False Nettle or Bog Hemp – 1-Quart

In the same plant family as stinging nettle (Urtica spp.), this plant does NOT have hairs that cause a painful sting and rash. The species have similar fondness for moist, shady conditions and are hard to tell apart, so this species is often lumped in with stinging nettle as a plant you would not put in your garden. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants and are wind-pollinated (notice they are not showy as most insect-pollinated flowers would be). Why grow this plant then? Answer – for butterflies. It’s an important host plant for Eastern Comma, Question Mark, and Red Admiral.