False Nettle, Smallspike false nettle
Boehmeria cylindrica
Family: Urticaceae
What it is like
Boehmeria cylindrica is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from August to September. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Moist or shady ground. Alluvial or moist, deciduous woods, swamps, bogs, marshes, wet meadows and ditches from sea level to 1800 metres.
Eastern N. America - Florida to Texas, north to S. Quebec, S. Ontario and Minnesota.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 1
A fibre obtained from the stems is used for cordage, nets etc.
Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in a warm sandy soil that is very well-drained. We are not sure if this species is dioecious or monoecious.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a warm greenhouse, only just covering the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whilst smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Although members of the nettle family, plants in this genus do not have stinging hairs.