Australian Nettle May 2026

Other plants referred to as nettles are smaller and less dangerous, though they still possess stinging hairs.

Stinging plants - stinging trees, Gympie-Gympie and stinging nettles australian nettle

: Its heart-shaped leaves are covered in microscopic, needle-like silica hairs that inject a potent neurotoxin. The pain is described as being simultaneously electrocuted and burned with hot acid. Other plants referred to as nettles are smaller

: Often called the "suicide plant," it is arguably the most painful plant in the world. australian nettle

The most notorious "Australian nettles" are the stinging trees, particularly those in the genus Dendrocnide . These plants are known for their extreme toxicity.

: The pain can last for weeks, months, or even recur for years because the hairs stay embedded in the skin.