Urtica dioica

Urtica dioica, or stinging nettle, is a rhizomatous perennial herb native from Europe to Siberia and western China, and to northwestern Africa. It has naturalized in many other regions. Upright stems bear opposite, sharply toothed leaves and tiny greenish flowers in branching clusters. Stinging hairs occur on the leaves and stems, and underground rhizomes allow the plant to form colonies.

Young shoots are eaten as a cooked vegetable, and dried leaves are used for tea; cooking removes their sting. Photographed in the department of Quindio, Colombia.