![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/7E7b9IjxitMYdZOGCHqimc/fa070aaddd88bda6521f779cba972d33/small_nettle_01.jpg?fm=webp&w=1080&q=85)
Small nettle
Urtica urens
Importance
Often found in vegetables, especially brassicas. Prefers friable rich soils - common on fens.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/6yxQ5avqXa1vBsOoOmJX41/a5f33d83c5d0020fdbeb27096c0d26be/small_nettle_01.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
1. Small, oval and slightly hairy cotyledons, which are notched at the apex.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/1mePCYvbp2tBktatXMJG1x/394d05f5310531801451cf0dcf1e3dfe/small-nettle_02.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
2. First true leaves are coarsely toothed with pointed indentations. Oval in outline, with stinging hairs.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/3mfTXsUlpOhqJkcuJv78Ex/e91d90c750892195182f7c5c4f522739/small-nettle_03.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
3. An upright branching annual with clusters of small green flowers.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/1h0qvud54Zy9GzLekPOd5R/677728ff5c36c4492f44e69e75b97e83/FieldMate_Promo_Mobile.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/3CvKagUshwoSyxEDqRj52c/bd6e3be09e808d22cf4c4c324b6d4ac7/FieldMate_Promo_Desktop.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/3CvKagUshwoSyxEDqRj52c/bd6e3be09e808d22cf4c4c324b6d4ac7/FieldMate_Promo_Desktop.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)