Stinging Nettle

While not typically considered garden-worthy, this herbaceous perennial is prized for both edible and medicinal properties.  When boiled, it can be used like spinach and is high in certain vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. All parts of the plant have been used historically to treat a wide variety of maladies. It’s inconspicuous flowers are greenish-white or -yellow and the 6′ stems with whorls of leaves die to the ground each winter. Grows best in moist areas.

BEWARE: Leaves and stems are covered with fine hairs that cause a burning or stinging sensation similar to a bee-sting.