Distribution, habitat and ecology
Urtica diocia stinging nettle plants growing wild. © F Vincentz
The common, or stinging nettle is one of the British Isles most widespread and successful plants.
The stinging nettle thrives in damp, nutrient-rich soils, but can colonise a wide range of other habitats
Common nettle is also provides the food-plant for the caterpillars of several of our most colourful butterflies.