It’s good to see that gardeners are experimenting with new crops and taking a serious interest in environmental management and biodiversity. Many of those interests are focused on what we eat, but there is a growing interest in what we wear. For many years we’ve become used to ‘plastic’ clothes, but traditional fibres such as wool, cotton and linen (flax) are being promoted in relation to such matters as animal rights and sustainability. What I don’t hear a lot of discussion about, however, and which are growing in abundance on St Ann’s Allotments, are nettles. Nettle undergarments are an eye-watering thought, but I understand that the fibre obtained from nettles is surprisingly soft.
Plant fibres from the stem of the nettles have a long history of use in the making of everything from ropes and papers, clothing and tablecloths, to sails and fishing nets.
Nettle fibres are apparently white, silky and produce a finer and silkier fabric than flax, so it is possible that, historically, fine linens for the wealthy may have been woven from nettles rather than flax. During World Wars I and II the tough plant fibres were made into textiles and during WWII nettles were collected in quantity to prepare a dye for military uniforms.
Modern research into nettles as a crop suggests that although they give a lower fibre yield than flax, they represent a much more environmentally friendly fibre crop compared to cotton. Not only do they require less agrochemicals and irrigation, but also support numerous species of wildlife. Nettles are key to the survival of butterflies, as they are the primary food source for many caterpillars including those of the Comma, Tortoiseshell and Peacock, as shown in the photo above. Without nettles, caterpillars would go in search of alternative food sources – probably one of your favourite plants!
Alternative uses of nettles are numerous, as is suggested by Victor Hugo in a passage from ‘Les Miserables’:
“One day he (Monsieur Madeleine) saw some peasants busy plucking out Nettles; he looked at the heap of plants uprooted and already withered, and said –
“They are dead. Yet it would be well if people knew how to make use of them. When the nettle is young, its leaf forms an excellent vegetable; when it matures, it has filaments and fibres like hemp and flax. Nettle fabric is as good as canvas.
Chopped, the nettle is good for poultry; pounded it is good for cattle. The seed of the nettle mingled with fodder imparts a gloss to the coats of animals; its root mixed with salt produces a beautiful yellow colour. It is besides excellent hay and can be cut twice.
And what does the nettle require? Little earth, no attention, no cultivation. Only the seed falls as it ripens, and is difficult to gather. That is all. With a little trouble, the nettle would be useful; it is neglected, and becomes harmful.”
It’s a shame that in the musical version of ‘Les Miserables’ there isn’t a song about the nettle. Now there’s a challenge! Long live the Stinging Nettle!
