Prue Leith's latest book is now on ckbk. Get 25% off ckbk Membership
Published 1986
Urtica dioica A perennial herb, abundant and generally distributed throughout the British Isles, it occurs in hedgebanks, woods, grassy places, fens, and near buildings, especially where the ground is covered with litter or rubble. It flowers from May to October but should be picked by the beginning of June as in high summer the leaves become coarse in texture and bitter in taste, due to a chemical change.
Advertisement
Advertisement