• Question: Why/how do nettles sting?

    Asked by eirlys to Amy, Sarah, Will on 21 Jun 2012.
    • Photo: Sarah Martin

      Sarah Martin answered on 21 Jun 2012:

      Hi eirlys,

      Nettle leaves have many hollow stinging hairs called trichomes on leaves and stems, which act like hypodermic needles, injecting histamine and other chemicals that produce a stinging sensation!

      Ouch.
      Sarah

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