Stinging nettles

[phlapp]

How do stinging nettles sting?

[Clanad]

The common stinging nettle found in Europe and North America has it stems covered with minute hairs.  The hairs are made of a slica that resemble glass.  The hairs are strong enought to penetrate the top layer of skin but are brittle and break off  and are filled with a mildly toxic venom (relatively speaking).  This is what irritates the skin causing the itching sensation...

[smudge]

Ouch - yes!

[phlapp]

Thanks

[Sequin]

The venom(!) is Formic Acid - the same thing that ants inject when they bite you

Nettle rash is called Urticaria, as the Latin name for nettle is Urtica

[Oneeyedvic]

But if you pinch a nettle leaf with your fingers and thumb very quickly it doesn't sting.

[netibiza]

I thought the fine hairs were on the backs of the leaves - but still has the same effect.

[cheyenne]

And how come you always find Dock leaves growing near the nettles,Which are suppose to minimize the stinging effect!!