---
title: "Stingless nettles"
url: https://plants.lasse.co.uk/fact-archive/stingless-nettles/
---

# Stingless nettles
Date: 2026-07-11

Normally, the leaves of stinging nettles are covered in stinging hairs (trichomes) that when broken (e.g. by contact human skin) release chemicals that cause stinging/ itching. This works because the trichomes are covered in a very thin layer of silica (effectively glass) which snaps upon contact to release the irritant chemicals inside. In the lab, nettles grown without silicon lose the ability to sting



## References:

1. [More about nettles](https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/species-of-the-day-common-stinging-nettle)

1. [Lab-grown stingless nettles](https://www.wiley.com/en-us/shop/general-chemistry/the-chemistry-of-silica-solubility-polymerization-colloid-and-surface-properties-and-biochemistry-of-silica-p-9780471024040)





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