The stinging nettle is one of the most important butterfly plants. It serves as a food source for over 30 butterfly species. Furthermore, it can do much more...
The leaves of the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) are not only the preferred but also the sole food source for many well-known butterflies. For instance, the caterpillars of the peacock butterfly, small tortoiseshell, red admiral, and map butterfly feed exclusively on stinging nettles.
For further information, we recommend the book "Schmetterlinge, Tagfalter der Schweiz" by Thomas Bühler-Cortesi.
Many garden owners and nature lovers leave the native flowering plant in their gardens and let it thrive so that as many insect species as possible can benefit.
By the way: although the stinging nettle is often referred to as a "weed," it is still significant for us humans. The fresh leaves are a vitamin-rich addition to salads or vegetables, the seeds complement any muesli, and last but not least, many medicinal and cosmetic products contain nettle in some form.
For the biological control of aphids, a nettle brew can be used, which is sprayed undiluted onto the infested parts of the plant.
For the so-called fermentation process, nettles are coarsely chopped, covered with rainwater, and sealed airtight. By stirring daily, a high-quality fertilizer rich in nitrogen, silicic acid, and iron is produced within a few weeks.
0 comments