URTICACEAE
Urtica chamaedryoides Pursh
Latin "uro" = to burn. Refers to the trichomes, which, if they pierce the skin, inject Histamine, acetylcholine, and a neurotoxin. Watch out!
Common Name: heartleaf nettle, ortiguilla. Poisonous.
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| Habit - Small monoecious annual, grows in damp, shady areas |
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| Terminal inflorescence is a spike-like panicle, whereas the flowers along the stem are borne in axillary clusters. |
Two inflorescences come from each leaf axil. Plants are monoecious. |
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| Leaves are subcordate to lanceolate, with crenate margins. |
The glass-like urticating trichomes break off in the skin and act as hypodermic needles, releasing the toxins and causing intense burning. |
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