SEED ORDERS OVER $100 SHIP FREE!

Boehmeria cylindrica Smallspike False Nettle

$3.50 - $40.00
Boehmeria cylindrica

Smallspike False Nettle

$3.50 - $40.00

Packet
$3.50
1/8 oz.
$10.00
1/4 oz.
$15.00
1/2 oz.
$25.00
1 oz.
$40.00

3 Pack
Out of Stock

Smallspike False Nettle is an understated – and often misunderstood – native plant.  Miniscule blooms tuft open in subtle shades of yellow-green spikes.  Flower stalks fan out and up from the pale stem, creating angular interest within the open foliage.  The bright green leaves are serrated and arranged opposite of each other.  This species showcases a diverse amount of expression variation: the stems are usually squared but can be round; it may be either hairy or smooth.  The inflorescence might develop leaves in addition to flowers, or it might not.  This species is oftentimes dioecious, with male and female flowers borne on distinct plants that pollinate each other by wind.  One consistent attribute is NO STINGING!  This Nettle, unlike many of its cousins, does not have the aggravating hairs that give this family a bad rep.

Boehmeria cylindrica is a perfect understory or woods edge plant.  It grows well in partial shade, but will tolerate a sunnier site if soil moisture is maintained.  Smallspike False Nettle grows to an average of 3 feet tall but can reach nearly 5’ in optimal sunny, damp conditions.  The lower leaves may yellow and wither if the base of the plant is too hot and dry.  Since this species lacks the stinging hairs, it makes a safe “filler” or foliage-focused specimen in butterfly gardens.  As it matures, this plant will slowly form clumps; pruning can encourage a fuller, bushy appearance. 

Being wind-pollinated, there won’t be a lot of pollinator action, but don’t be discouraged - Smallspike False Nettle is a host plant hotspot!  Fly larva of Neolasioptera boehmeriae will form galls on the Smallspike False Nettle stems.  Eastern Comma, Question Mark, and Red Admiral butterflies like to lay their eggs here, which later hatch as hungry little caterpillars that absolutely love munching on this species.  Flowing-Line Bomolocha moth caterpillars also have standing reservations at this top-notch native restaurant.  Expect to see their presence in holey, chewed up leaves and frass.  Unlike most other caterpillars, Red Admirals stay and pupate on their host plant, creating incredible little nests within the foliage.  What a great opportunity to see the entire cycle in one spot!            

Also commonly called False Nettle and Bog Hemp.

Live Plant Shipping

Spring Fall Age/Size
Potted 3-Packs May/June August/September 2.5" wide x 3.5" deep pots

Details

Seeds/Packet
1,000
Seeds/Ounce
160,000
Germination Code
A
Life Cycle
Perennial
Sun Exposure
Partial
Soil Moisture
Medium-Wet, Medium
Height
3 feet
Bloom Time
June, July, August
Bloom Color
Yellow
Advantages
Pollinator Favorite: butterflies, moths, bees, wasps, beetles
Deer Resistant
USDA Zones
3-10
Plant Spacing
18-24"
Catalog Code
BOE04F