CANADIAN WOOD-NETTLE
File Size: 93 KB
 
Laportea canadensis   (L. ) Gaudich.
Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center, Newton County, Missouri
Perennial
Height: 16-52 inches
Family: Urticaceae - Nettle Family
Flowering Period:   July, August, September
Stems: Erect, simple. Plants monoecious, finely hispid and with stinging hairs, from rhizomes.
Leaves: Cauline, alternate, simple; petiole 1.2 to 4.3 inches; blade ovate, 3 to 8 inches long, 2 to 5 inches wide, margins serrate, tip acuminate.
Inflorescences: Cymes arranged in panicles, axillary and terminal.
Flowers: Unisexual, lower panicles staminate, upper panicles pistillate; staminate flower tepals 5, distinct, stamens 5; pistillate flower tepals 2 to 4, distinct; style 1, persistent; stigma extending down side of style.
Fruits: Achenes orbicular, 1/12 to 1/8 inch, not enclosed by tepals.
Habitat: Rich, moist woods and shaded floodplains
Distribution: East 2/5 of Kansas
Origin: Native
Uses: Native Americans took a decoction of the plant to treat fevers and counteract poisons; used an infusion of the root for urinary ailments; and made cord from the braided inner bark fibers.
Comments: Named for entomologist Francois de Laporte.

Canadian wood-nettle
105 KB
Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center, Newton County, Missouri
Canadian wood-nettle
149 KB
Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center, Newton County, Missouri
Canadian wood-nettle inflorescence
68 KB
Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center, Newton County, Missouri
Canadian wood-nettle inflorescence
58 KB
Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center, Newton County, Missouri
Canadian wood-nettle leaf
105 KB
Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center, Newton County, Missouri
Canadian wood-nettle fruit
94 KB
Atchison County, Kansas
Canadian wood-nettle habit
101 KB
Atchison County, Kansas