Your help is appreciated. We depend on donations to help keep this site free and up to date for you. Can you please help us?

Donate

Native Plant Trust: Go Botany Discover thousands of New England plants

Questions and Answers: 2017

Question: Central MA. This plant showed up suddenly and in such massive numbers I think the seeds may have come in …

  • Question

    Central MA. This plant showed up suddenly and in such massive numbers I think the seeds may have come in with last year's hay which ends up as garden mulch. Highly invasive, sun to partial shade, ~2 feet high. Flowering reminds me of nettles, but doesn't seem to match overall description. Thanks for your help!

    Answer

    Dear Quinn, your plant is Pilea pumila (Canada clearweed). This is a native member of the stinging-nettle family that is typically found in rich, moist forests, especially those along rivers. Best wishes.