Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Canadian Wood Nettle Plant Care
Laportea canadensis Wedd.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive feature is its deeply lobed, maple-like leaves that are covered in stinging hairs. Laportea canadensis originates from North America, specifically eastern and central regions. Plant collectors are drawn to this species for its unique foliage, which adds texture and interest to any garden or collection.
Every 4–7 days
Partial to full shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Canadian Wood Nettle?
Water Canadian Wood Nettle every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Canadian Wood Nettle Native To?
What Is the Canadian Wood Nettle?
Canadian Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis) belongs to the Urticaceae family within the Laportea genus. Canadian Wood Nettle is native to eastern and central North America. Canadian Wood Nettle is also known as Wood Nettle.
Canadian Wood Nettle displays a spreading herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Canadian Wood Nettle produces inconspicuous greenish flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Canadian Wood Nettle?
Laportea canadensis requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Canadian Wood Nettle Need?
Canadian Wood Nettle thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Canadian Wood Nettle in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Canadian Wood Nettle Prefer?
Laportea canadensis grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Canadian Wood Nettle prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Canadian Wood Nettle?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Canadian Wood Nettle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Canadian Wood Nettle?
Feed Canadian Wood Nettle every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Canadian Wood Nettle?
Repot annually in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Canadian Wood Nettle?
Canadian Wood Nettle can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to stinging nettle plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Canadian Wood Nettle Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Canadian Wood Nettle, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Canadian Wood Nettle?
Canadian Wood Nettle is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Canadian Wood Nettle Need?
Canadian Wood Nettle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Canadian Wood Nettle is native to eastern and central North America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Canadian Wood Nettle is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Laportea genus — compare its care with other Laportea species on PlantoScan.
Laportea is part of the Urticaceae plant family — browse all Urticaceae genera and species.
Canadian Wood Nettle copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Laportea canadensis Wedd., family Urticaceae (first published in Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. sér. 4, 1: 181. 1854) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Canadian Wood Nettle, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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