Boehmeria cylindrica, commonly known as False Nettle, is a native perennial plant found in wetlands, streambanks, and moist, disturbed areas throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers light shade.
This plant features lance-shaped leaves with a rough texture and produces small, cylindrical clusters of greenish-white flowers in late summer to early fall. The flowers are not particularly showy but attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Boehmeria cylindrica typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet and has an upright, bushy form. Its stems are often covered in fine hairs, giving the plant a somewhat coarse appearance.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Boehmeria cylindrica is an excellent choice for wetland restorations, rain gardens, or naturalized landscapes where moisture is plentiful. It provides ecological benefits by supporting pollinators and adding texture to landscapes. While it can be somewhat aggressive in its growth habit, it makes a valuable addition to areas in need of stabilization, such as streambanks or disturbed wet areas, where its fibrous root system helps prevent erosion.
Boehmeria cylindrica, commonly known as False Nettle, is a native perennial plant found in wetlands, streambanks, and moist, disturbed areas throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers light shade.
This plant features lance-shaped leaves with a rough texture and produces small, cylindrical clusters of greenish-white flowers in late summer to early fall. The flowers are not particularly showy but attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Boehmeria cylindrica typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet and has an upright, bushy form. Its stems are often covered in fine hairs, giving the plant a somewhat coarse appearance.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Boehmeria cylindrica is an excellent choice for wetland restorations, rain gardens, or naturalized landscapes where moisture is plentiful. It provides ecological benefits by supporting pollinators and adding texture to landscapes. While it can be somewhat aggressive in its growth habit, it makes a valuable addition to areas in need of stabilization, such as streambanks or disturbed wet areas, where its fibrous root system helps prevent erosion.
Bloom time: mid-summer to early fall
Habitats: borders of small streams; low areas along rivers; sandy marshes; seeps; various wetlands (including swamps); wet to mesic deciduous woodlands, especially in floodplain and bottomland areas
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist
Plant type (height): forb (2 to 3 feet)
Requirements: light shade
Soil: rich loamy
