Wood nettle
Laportea canadensis
A stinging perennial of moist shaded woods and floodplains. Young spring shoots and leaves are used as cooked greens.
Native range
Central and eastern North America, including Ontario. Widespread in the Toronto region's wooded habitats.
Typical season
Approximate spring young-shoot reference. Tough mature foliage is not the food reference; leave enough growth for the patch to recover.
Identification
Broad, alternate, toothed leaves distinguish it from the opposite leaves of stinging nettle. Verify the whole plant and wear gloves. Cooking disables the stinging hairs: use reviewed blanching, steaming or boiling guidance for young material, and never handle or eat it raw.