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FOODIES' HOME PAGE
PLANT PROFILE LIST
NAME: Clearweed, Nettle
SPECIES / FAMILY: Pilea pumila
OTHER COMMON NAME(S):
CONDITIONS:
partial shade, moist soil
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EDIBLE |
TASTE |
RAW/COOK |
SEASON |
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All |
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Shoots |
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COOK |
Spring & Fall |
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Leaves |
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cilantra&spinach |
COOK |
Spring & Fall |
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Buds/Flowers |
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Fruits |
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Roots |
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Seeds |
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Nuts |
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Pods |
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Stalk |
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Bark |
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PORTION: small
COMMENT: All nettles are edible. // Clearweed has a translucent stem and shiny leaves. Is full of juice.
CAUTIONS: Some say that it is unpalatable https://www.mossyoak.com/our-obsession/blogs/how-to/foraging-the-forest-floor-asparagus-chickweed-and-stinging-nettle
NUTRITION/MEDICINAL: https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/pilea/pumila - Canada clearweed is so-named because the stems and leaves are peculiarly translucent. This quality has been used to demonstrate transpiration in the classroom, by putting the stems into dyed water. The Cherokee rubbed the stems between their toes to cure itching, whereas the Iroquois squeezed the liquid out of the stems and inhaled it to treat sinus problems. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=233500918 - Native Americans used Pilea pumila medicinally to alleviate itching, to cure sinus problems, and to treat excessive hunger (D. E. Moerman 1986)
LOOK-A-LIKES:
POISONOUS LOOK-A-LIKES: White Snakeroot - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ageratina_altissima
OTHER USES:
SOURCE LINKS (may include nutritional and medicinal info, plus other uses):