wood-nettle, Laportea canadensis

Let's take a look at wood-nettle and get it over with. Look but don't touch. Touch it and the stinging hairs will teach you a lesson. If you're particularly sensitive you may get blisters that can last several days. This is a plant with no redeeming value in the modern scheme. In the past, Indians used it in basketry, medicine, and wirchcraft. The Iroquois took a decoction for 'when your woman goes off and won't come back'. Wood-nettle grows in shade, often in patches that are always too large, in AL, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV, MB, NB, NS, ON, PE, QC, SK(T), and on SPM. Lenawee Co MI, 8/7/11. Nettle family, Urticaceae.