Triangular-leaved nettle, urning nettle
Urtica triangularis
Family: Urticaceae
What it is like
A stinging herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 0.6-1.5 m high. The underground stems or rhizomes are stout and 1 cm across. The stems are purplish and have bristles and hairs. The leaves are triangle shaped and 2.5-11 cm long by 1-5 cm wide. There are coarse teeth along the edge. The leaf stalks are 1-5 cm long. The flowers are small. The male and female flowers are separate on the same plant. The male ones are in groups in the axils and the female ones are in pike like groups.
Where it is found
It grows in south western China. It grows amongst grass on partly shaded hillsides. It grows between 3,200-3,500 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Tibet
How it is used for food
The young shoots are used as a potherb.
Edible parts
Shoots, leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Zwa