Hesperocnide sp.
Western nettle, Western Nettle
Family: Urticaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Hesperocnide sp. (Western nettle) is a native California annual in the Urticaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Urtica: Hesperocnide is a small annual with fused sepals; Urtica is typically perennial with separate sepals.; vs Stachys: Hesperocnide stings; Stachys is safe to touch and has square stems.; vs Scrophularia: Hesperocnide has stinging hairs; Scrophularia is completely safe to handle.; vs Rubus: Hesperocnide is a delicate annual herb; Rubus has woody stems with thorns.; vs Marrubium: Hesperocnide stings and has nettle flowers; Marrubium is fuzzy-safe with whorled mint flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hesperocnide sp. native to California?
Yes. Hesperocnide sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Hesperocnide sp. belong to?
Hesperocnide sp. is in the Urticaceae family, genus Hesperocnide.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.