Boehmeria cylindrica
Smallspike false nettle
(c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Annika Lindqvist · licence
Family: Urticaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Boehmeria cylindrica (Smallspike false nettle) is a non-native California herb in the Urticaceae family, recognized by Eastern North American species recently naturalized in California's Central Valley.
Smallspike false nettle is a naturalized perennial herb found in the Sacramento Valley Delta region in levees and riparian areas at elevations below 10 meters. Flowering from August to November, this plant produces small, unassuming green flowers in interrupted clusters. Growing to heights of 1 to 1.6 meters with an upright habit, it develops as a monoecious herb with multiple stems. Its leaves are elliptic to lanceolate, ranging from 5 to 18 centimeters long and 2 to 10 centimeters wide, with surfaces that may be glabrous, scabrous, or slightly hairy on the underside. The plant exhibits a variable leaf texture and growth pattern characteristic of its naturalized status in disturbed riparian environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Eastern North American species recently naturalized in California's Central Valley
Habitat and range
Habitat: Levees, riparian areas
Elevation: < 10 m
California counties: Colusa, Sacramento, Glenn, Yolo
Outside California: central and eastern United States, Mexico, Central America, South America, West Indies, Bermuda
Bloom period
Boehmeria cylindrica blooms Aug-Nov.
How to tell it apart
vs Urtica: Boehmeria doesn't sting and has spike-like flowers; Urtica stings and has clustered flowers.; vs Hesperocnide: Boehmeria is safe to touch with spike-like flowers; Hesperocnide stings.; vs Parietaria: Boehmeria has spike-like flower clusters; Parietaria has few-flowered head-like clusters.; vs Soleirolia: Boehmeria is upright with large leaves; Soleirolia forms ground-hugging mats with tiny leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Boehmeria cylindrica native to California?
No. Boehmeria cylindrica is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Boehmeria cylindrica bloom?
Boehmeria cylindrica blooms Aug-Nov.
Where in California does Boehmeria cylindrica grow?
Boehmeria cylindrica occurs in Colusa, Sacramento, Glenn, Yolo, at elevations of < 10 m.
What plant family does Boehmeria cylindrica belong to?
Boehmeria cylindrica is in the Urticaceae family, genus Boehmeria.
What habitat does Boehmeria cylindrica grow in?
Boehmeria cylindrica grows in Levees, riparian areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.