Urtica thunbergiana, commonly known as Thunberg’s Nettle, Japanese Stinging Nettle, or Greater Nettle, is a perennial herb native to moist, shaded environments in forests and grasslands, as well as along riverbanks in East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. This species typically grows rapidly to a height of 3-7 feet (0.9-2.1 meters) and is characterized by its serrated leaves and green, inconspicuous flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant is covered with stinging hairs that can cause a painful reaction upon contact with skin.

Thunberg’s Nettle is valued for its medicinal properties, as it has been traditionally used to treat various ailments. It is also used as a culinary herb in some cultures, although caution is advised due to its stinging hairs. In cultivation, it prefers part shade and medium draining clay or loam soils, with medium water requirements. While it can be an interesting plant for a naturalistic garden or for use in herbal medicine, Urtica thunbergiana is known to be invasive outside its native range, and gardeners should check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0