Common Hemp Nettle is a
native
annual plant of the UK, typically found growing in damp ground, cropland and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 100cm.
Common Hemp Nettle is called a nettle after the shape of its leaves but is unrelated to the nettle. The flowers of Common Hemp Nettle may be white or lilac and are borne in clustered whorls, each in a sharp spiny calyx, at the top of its stems. They have a long flower tube 'throat' and wide lower lip central lobe, with markings, that helps distinguish the plant from a deadnettle.
Botanic classification and naming: Common Hemp Nettle is a member of the Mint (Lamiaceae) family. The genus name
'Galeopsis' identifies the plant as a Hemp Nettle and its species name 'tetrahit' means 'four-parted plant'.
Concerns: Common Hemp Nettle is a toxic plant.
Benefits: The plant is well known for attracting bumble bees and so is sometimes called the 'Bee Nettle'. Its seed provides a food source for birds.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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