8 Plants with Stinging Hairs

Raul is an Editor at BalconyGardenWeb and an expert in flower and herb cultivation based in Phoenix, Arizona. A frequent speaker at horticultural events, he is also an active contributor to Facebook flower groups. Holding an MBA degree, Raul blends his gardening skills with strong leadership and analytical abilities.
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Plants with Stinging Hairs have a special way of defending mechanisms that can be troublesome for humans. Here’s a list for you to stay safe!

Plants with stinging hairs use them as defence against herbivores and humans. These hairs have irritants like formic acid, histamines, and other chemicals, that can cause discomfort, irritation, redness, or even pain when they come in contact with the skin.  causing pain and discomfort.

Check Out the List of Plants with Prickly Leaves


Plants with Stinging Hairs

1. Stinging Nettle

Plants with Stinging Hairs
Reddit

Botanical Name: Urtica dioica

This is a weedy perennial plant known for its stinging leaves that can cause irritation or a burning sensation when touched. You can easily spot it in woodlands or along riverbanks.

2. Wood Nettle

Plants with Stinging Hairs2
Reddit

Botanical Name: Laportea canadensis

Wood nettle’s foliage and stem are covered with stinging and non-stinging hairs. It can cause painful dermatitis upon contact. So, be cautious when around it!

3. Bull Nettle

Plants that Have Prickly Hairs

Botanical Name: Cnidoscolus stimulosus

It is not a true nettle, but still shares the common stinging hair trait with others. If you come in contact with its leaves, it may lead to red rashes and painful sensations.

4. Prickly Lettuce

Plants that Have Prickly Hairs 2

Botanical Name: Lactuca virosa

This wild lettuce has prickly hairs that can make you itchy and uncomfortable. It’s stems also have mild to hard thorns that you need to be careful of!

5. Gympie

Plants with Bristly Leaves 2

Botanical Name: Dendrocnide moroides

Australians call it a suicide plant because it contains a poison named neurotoxin that can lead to massive pain upon contact. Its stingers are too tiny; even a slight scratch can be too painful!

6. Himalayan Nettle

Plants with Bristly Leaves

Botanical Name: Girardinia diversifolia

This unique nettle grows in the Himalayas and is used in traditional medicine in Nepal. The microscopic hairs on its leaves and stems can cause discomfort.

7. Japanese Nettle

Plants With Scratchy Hairs

Botanical Name: Urtica thunbergiana

This nettle is common in forests and near streams. Its hairs contain irritants that can cause a stinging sensation, redness, and itching upon contact with skin.

8. Tree Nettle

Plants With Scratchy Hairs 2
inaturalist

Botanical Name: Urtica ferox

Commonly known as ongaonga, its toothed leaves and stems can inject histamine and other chemicals that cause intense pain, irritation, and sometimes even allergic reactions upon contact with skin.

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