Urtica urens L.

Shallowly taprooted, erect monoecious annual, moderately clothed in short-stalked stinging hairs, otherwise sparsely to densely hairy. Stem with lateral branches usually present, up to 60 cm high. Lvs ovate or elliptic, acute, obtuse to truncate at base, coarsely serrate, (1)–2–8–(10) cm long. Petiole c. ⅔ as long as lamina. Stipules 4 per node, entire, 1–3 mm long. Racemes with numerous ♂ and ♀ fls, up to 1.5–(3) cm long. Perianth segments of ♀ fls extremely unequal, glabrous to hairy; margins ciliate. Achene ovoid, light brown, 1.5–2 mm long.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Jan.–Dec.