Urtica dioica, L.

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1964, Flora Europaea - Volume 1. Lycopodiaceae to Platanaceae, Cambridge University Press : 68

2. U. dioica L. , Sp. Pl. 984 (1753)

(inch U. pubescens Ledeb. ).

Perennial 30-150(-250) cm, dull green; usually dioecious. Leaves (1—)3—12(—15) cm, ovate, rarely lanceolate, acuminate, more or less cordate at base, serrate; petiole not more than | as long as lamina; stipules 4 at each node. Racemes up to 10 cm, usually exceeding the subtending petiole, patent or pendent in fruit. Female flowers with outer periànth-segments less than | as long as inner, pubescent or hispid. 2« = 48, 52. Throughout Europe, but only as an introduced weed in some districts. All except BI CrSb.

Very variable and probably containing a number of subspecies.