Nettle-leaved Bellflower

Nettle-leaved Bellflower, coarsely toothed, very hairy, triangular, and sometimes with a heart-shaped base, the leaves of this plant resemble those of a stinging nettle, though they carry no stinging hairs. When the sun catches Nettle-leaved Bellflower, the deep violet-blue flowers show up brightly against the shady gloom of dense woodland, the edges of which are its favoured habitat. The flowers are upright or horizontal, which prevents pollen falling from the short stamens onto the style.

Common Nettle

Also known as Stinging Nettle, this plant is well known to all walkers in the countryside, for the leaves and stems are clothed in stiff, needle-like, hollow hairs which break at the slightest touch, releasing an intensely irritating fluid. There are also many non-stinging hairs, the number varying from plant to plant. The tiny flowers are green, sometimes with a reddish tinge, and have yellow stamens. Males and females are on separate plants; male flowers are borne on long, pendent branches, while the female flowers are in tighter clusters.