Urtica dioica, Linnaeus, 1753

Grosse-Veldmann, Bernadette & Weigend, Maximilian, 2015, Weeding the nettles III: Named nonsense versus named morphotypes in European Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae), Phytotaxa 208 (4), pp. 239-260 : 253-257

4. Urtica dioica L. subsp. dioica var. holosericea Fries (1828: 281) . Fig. 4

Holotype:— SWEDEN (not located). Neotype (here designated):— GERMANY. Brandenburg: Müggelheimer Damm E of Köpenick, 1. bus stop left into path, 1. road junction right, right wayside, 38 m, 15 Aug. 2007, T. Camenzind 01 (♂, BONN).

= Urtica dioica L. subsp. dioica var. angustifolia Wimm. & Grab. (1829: 336) . Holotype:— POLAND. Silesia (not located).

= Urtica dioica L. var. elegans Chenevard (1904: 806) . Lectotype (here designated):— SWITZERLAND. Tessin: Terrains vagues près la gare de Locarno, 24 Aug. 1903, P. Chenevard s.n. (Z-000053938!) ; Syntypes:—same data, P. Chenevard s.n. (Z-000053939!), P. Chenevard s.n. (G-00354326!) .

= Urtica dioica L. var. b. spicata Asch. & Graeb. (1898: 262) . Holotype:— RUSSIA, Eastern Prussia , formerly Germany:. Insterburger Stadtwald (not located).

Described as a late-season form without leaves in the distal part, this is very common in this variety.

= Urtica dioica L. var. monoica Tausch ex Ott (1851: 41) . Lectotype (here designated):— CZECH REPUBLIC. Prague: at roadsides near Prague, [no date], Tausch 1342b ( PR, 99502!).

Monoecious form of the forest variety.

= Urtica dioica L. var. vulgaris Wedd. subvar. umbrosa Wedd. (1856: 77) . Holotype:—” in Sylvis Europae passim” (not located).

not located≡ Urtica dioica L. var. umbrosa (Wedd.) Rouy (1910: 273) .

= Urtica dioica L. var. pilosa Aschers. & Graeb. (1898: 262) . Holotype:— GERMANY. Brandenburg: “ Selten auf Mooren ” (not located). - Urtica dioica L. var. holosericea Fries ex Saelán (1889: 130) . Holotype:— SWEDEN (not located).

The original publication by Fries can be considered as the valid publication, the citation Fries ex Saelán is therefore incorrect.

- Urtica dioica L. (var.) angustata Schur , ined. in herb. FI:— SLOVAKIA. Brünn, 3 Aug. 1871 [?], Schur 6947 (FI).

Male plant, annotated “ Urtica dioica L. angustata = Urtica umbrosa Schur ”.

- Urtica dioica L. var. angustifolia Peterm. ex Opiz (1852: 100–101) , nom. illeg. (non var. angustifolia Wimm. & Grab. 1829 ).

- Urtica dioica L. var. β angustifolia A. Blytt (1869: 188) , nom. illeg. (non var. angustifolia Wimm. & Grab. 1829 ).

- Urtica dioica L. var. β angustifolia Heuff. (1858: 157) , nom. illeg. (non var. angustifolia Wimm. & Grab. 1829 ).

- Urtica dioica L. var. ternata Girth , ined. in herb. W:— GERMANY. Hessia: Kreis Gross-Gerau, “In Wäldern bei Büttelborn, vom Rande der Landstrasse nach Darmstadt”, 28 June 1928, Girth 1103 (W, 1970-10921!).

- Urtica dioica L. var. umbrosa Opiz (1852: 100–101) . Holotype:—not located.

- Urtica umbrosa Schur , ined. in herb. FI:— SLOVAKIA. Brünn, 3 Aug. 1871 [?], Schur 6947 (FI).

Male plant, evidently the common forest form, annotated “ Urtica dioica L. angustata = Urtica umbrosa Schur ”.

- Urtica dioica L. var. umbraticola Schur , ined. in herb. FI:— SLOVAKIA. Brünn, 11 August 1871 [?], Schur 1233 (FI).

Male plant, evidently the common forest form.

≠ Urtica dioica L. var. angustifolia (Fisch. ex. Hornem.) Ledeb. (1833: 241), nom. illeg. (non var. angustifolia Wimm. & Grab. (1829) . = Urtica angustifolia Fisch. ex. Hornem. (1819: 107).

This combination is illegitimate, since it post-dates Wimmer & Grabowski 1829.

≠ Urtica dioica L. var. holosericea (Nutt.) C.L.Hitchc. (1964: 91) , nom. illeg. (non var. holosericea Fries ex Saelán 1889 ). = Urtica gracilis Ait. subsp. holosericea (Nutt.) —Weigend (compare Henning et al. 2014).

This varietal name has also been used twice in Urtica dioica , the oldest use is that for the pilose forest form in southern Sweden, the varietal name used in North America is formally illegitimate and refers to a taxon now treated as subspecies of U. gracilis Aiton (1789: 341 , see Henning et al. 2014). This form is a slender plant, often 150–200 cm tall with the leaves on the upper and median portion of the stems narrowly ovate, only marginally cordate, with shallowly crenate to serrate leaf margins. Female inflorescences are initially spreading, sparsely branched and lax, soon pendulous, male inflorescences are very sparsely branched and pendulous. Generally with few stinging hairs and virtually no bristles. The perianth is always free of stinging hairs, very rarely with individual stinging hairs. Typically, this form is quite pubescent in northern and north-eastern Europe and may be densely soft pubescent and velvety to touch. A slightly younger name is var. angustifolia Wimmer & Grabowski 1829 , which could be considered as referring to the generally less pubescent central and eastern European plants with occasionally very narrow leaves. However, a clear dividing is definitely absent and there are distinctly pubescent forms across the range of this form. We therefore advocate recognizing only one sparsely setose and generally narrow-leaved forest form across Europe, with the only exception of distinctly glabrescent var. glabrata (see below). Intermediate individuals between the two varieties are commonly found where var. dioica grows in the immediate vicinity, e.g. along forest roads (see below for intermediate specimens).

Distribution and Ecology: —Forest form found in nutrient rich, humid to wet soils in both deciduous and coniferous forests across, also on steep rocky slopes in mountain forests. Europe including humid mountain ranges in the Mediterranean, but overall distribution is poorly known. The pubescent form is particularly common found in the swampy forests in Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and apparently also in southern Scandinavia.

Conservation status: —Using IUCN criteria ( IUCN 2001), Urtica dioica subsp. dioica var. holosericea is considered “Least Concern” (LC).

Representative specimens:— AUSTRIA. Carinthia: Spittal a.d. Drau, Gemeinde Flattern, Fraganter Hütte , 1400 m, Hochstaudenflur , MTB 9044/1431, 10 Aug. 1994, F. Schuhwerk 94/627 (M) ;— CZECH REPUBLIC. Elbe Sandstone Mountains, road Prague-Dresden, ca. 3 km above Borislav, ca. 700 m, 22 Oct. 2001, cultivated in Berlin July 2003, M. & K. Weigend 5666-C ( BONN) ;— DENMARK. Zealand: between Stampen and Rådvad in Jaegersborg , 18 Aug. 1971, J. Svendsen 487 (M) ; same date and locality, J. Svendsen 486 (M);— FINLAND. Satakunta: Par. Nakkila, Soinila , 17 Aug. 1970, P.S. Jokela s.n. (M) ;— FRANCE. Haute-Marne: Eclaron , 12 Aug. 1993, B. du Retz 91102 ( MSB) ; Haute-Rhin: Tête des Peches ,> 1100 m, MTB 8107/2, 18 July 2004, G. Hügin 18 092 (herb. Hügin: 2 n = 24/ oder 26, counted 2004/05) ;— GERMANY. Baden-Württemberg: Schwarzwald, Feldberg, Grafenmatt , Ruckenhütte , ca. 1200 m, 27 June 2006, MTB 8114/3, G. Hügin 19696 (19696b: Berlin , 19696, 19696a, 19696c: herb. Hügin) ; Bavaria: Berchtesgadener Land, national park Berchtesgaden, path from St. Bartholomä-Schreinbachhütte , ca. 900 m, 22 July 1998, cultivated from W. Lippert 3417 in July 2003, W. Lippert 3417-C (♂, B, BONN, E, K, M, MA, MO, P) ; Regensburg, Oberbachtal N Sulzbach a.d. Donau , along hiking path E of Danube towards Hammermühle to Unterlichtenwald , 28 June 1998, cultivated in Berlin July 2003, W. Lippert 3376-C (♂, BONN, M) ; Upper Bavaria, Munich, Pullach , Förther , 1998, cultivated in Berlin July 2003, W. Lippert 3288-C (♂, BONN, M) ; Upper Palatinate, Kallmünz between Schwandorf and Regensburg, castle ruins above village, 30 April 2002, cultivated in Berlin July 2003, M. & K. Weigend 7782-C (♂, BONN) ; Upper Palatinate, Weiden, Flossenbürg , ruins of Haselstein castle, 680– 705 m, 29 June 1997, cultivated in Berlin July 2003, W. Lippert 3258b (♀, BM, BONN, KRAM, LE, M, NY, P, W) ; Berlin: Dahlwitzer Landstr. N of Friedrichshagen, at town sign left into bridle path, left at wayside, 38 m, 17 Aug. 2007, T. Camenzind 13 (♂, BONN) ; same locality and date, T. Camenzind 14 (<♂ ♀>, BONN) ; same locality and date, T. Camenzind 18 (♂, BONN) ; Dahlwitzer Landstr. N of Friedrichshagen, branch to Ravensburg , across from 60 km /h sign 47 m, 15 Aug. 2007, T. Camenzind 12 (<♂ ♀>, BONN) ; Friedrichshagen , Müggelseedamm E of “Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz” right into path, at small bath meadow, 32 m, 15 Aug. 2007, T. Camenzind 08 (♂, BONN) ; same locality and date, T. Camenzind 11 (♂, BONN) ; Müggelheim, corner Staudernheimer Str. / Duchrother Str. right into path, 2. road junction right across from wayside, 43 m, 30 Aug. 2007, T. Camenzind 25 (♂, BONN) ; same locality and date, T. Camenzind 24 (<♂ ♀>, BONN) ; Müggelheimer Damm E of Köpenick, 1. bus stop left into path, 1. road junction right, right wayside, 38 m, 15 Aug. 2007, T. Camenzind 04 (♂, BONN) ; same locality and date, T. Camenzind 05 (♀, BONN) ; same locality and date, T. Camenzind 02 (♂, BONN) ; Brandenburg: near Krumme Laake at the Müggelsee, 15 June 2002, cultivated in Berlin July 2003, M. & K. Weigend 7783-C (<♂ ♀>, BONN) ; Dahlwitzer Landstr. N of Friedrichshagen, at town sign left into bridle path until wood, right side behind shrubs, 38 m, 17 Aug. 2007, T. Camenzind 19 (<♂ ♀>, BONN) ; Dahlwitzer Landstr. N of Friedrichshagen, at town sign left into bridle path, left at wayside, 17 Sept. 2007, T. Camenzind 17 (<♂ ♀>, BONN) ; Müggelheimer Damm E of Köpenick, 1. bus stop left into path, 1. road junction right, right wayside, 38 m, 15 Aug. 2007, T. Camenzind 06 (♂, BONN) ; Müggelheim, Spreewald near Müggelspree ( Grosser Müggelsee E of Berlin), Str. 35, near Ferryport F 24.0, Oct. 2001, cultivated in Berlin June 2003, K. Weigend 2001/2 (♂, BONN) ; FU Berlin, Garden of Institut für Biologie— Systematische Botanik und Pflanzengeographie , cultivated in Berlin July 2004, M. Weigend 8101 (♀, BONN) ;— ITALY. Tuscany: Lucca, Mte Procinto, 1177 m, N. Expos. , 3 June 1979, Amann & Gottanka s.n. (M) ; Apennin between Forli and Bibiena , Passo del Mandrioli , 1170–1180 m, April 2002, cultivated in Berlin July 2003, M. & K. Weigend 7092-C (♂, BONN) ;— LITHUANIA. Siedlce: Wojnów , W. Dybowski 218.1415 ( KRAM) ;— POLAND. Bialystok: Bielowicza, Aug. 2005, original collection by A. K. Pietrcyk & D. Ullmann, cultivated in Berlin Aug. 2006, M. Weigend 8698 (♀, B, BONN, M) ; Lesser Poland: Podgórze, near Ludwinowa near Trawil, A Żunday 176.500 (2 x KRAM) ; Ludwinowa , 01 Aug. 1908, A. Zunday 176.499 ( KRAM) ; Nowogródek: Nianków , 05 July 1894, W. Dybowski 201.887 ( KRAM) ; Podtarze: Carna Góra , 27 Sept. 1954, T. Tacik s.n. ( KRAM) ; Silesia: Obernik , in moist wood, Aug. 1867, R. v. Uechtritz s.n. ( JENA) ; 29 August 1897, I. Kalinowska s.n. ( KRAM) ; Wrocław, Ufer der Osla bei Zedlitz , July 1863, C. v. Haussknecht s.n. ( JENA) ;— NORWAY. Porsanger: Porsangerfjord, Laksely , anno 1930, N.V. Polunin 683.XIX. a ( BM) ;— RUSSIA. Moscow: Moscow area, Station Bitza , along railroad, 27 Aug. 1980, O. W. Shurba s.n. ( JENA, KRAM) ; Saint Petersburg: Saint Petersburg area, near Daschnoe suburb, 1920, R. Roshewitz s.n. ( JENA) ;— SPAIN. Burgos: Peñas de Cervera, Contreras, Alto de San Carlos , 1400 m, 18 July 1979, Muñoz Garmendia et al. 534 (M) ;— SWEDEN. Skåne län: Scania, Bingsgården , August 1903, E. Ohlsson s.n. (B) ; Helsingborg , 08 Aug. 1909, Th. Sjövall s.n. ( GB) ; Stockholms Iän: Stockholm , 01 Aug. 1912, A. Hülphers s.n. ( GB) ; Västra Götaland: Dalia, par. Åmål, Buxbol , Aug. 1899, P.A. Larsson s.n. ( GB) ; Toarp , anno 1886, A.O. Olson s.n. ( GB) ; Vermland: Råda, Ritberg [?], 10 Sept. 1908, H.A. Fröding s.n. (2 x BM) ; Råda , 18 Sept. 1897, H.A. Fröding s.n. (B) ;— TURKEY. Kahramanmaraş: Çaðlayancerit , dere kenan, 1159 m, N37°44’25’’ E37°16’47’’, 09 June 2007, B. Tankahya 2498 (♀, BONN) ;— UNITED KINGDOM. Berkshire: near Radley , Sept. 1889, G.C. Druce s.n. ( BM) ; Cambridgeshire: Wicken Fen , 09 Aug. 1947, A.H.G. Alston ( BM) ; Devon: N Devon, Brendon , roadside, 25 Aug. 1917, W. C. Barton 281 ( BM, pro parte) ; N Devon, South Twaton , 02 Sept. 1919, W. C. Barton 460b & 460b ( BM) ; Hampshire: N Hampshire, Ripley, bank of the Whitewater River , 13 June 1948, E.Wallace 6113b ( BM —very silky, but completely sterile) ; Herefordshire: Weston , 30 Aug. 1906, W. C. Barton s.n. ( BM) ; Aldenham School , 27 Aug. 1973, K. Wheeler s.n. ( BM) ; Leicester: Newstead road, 29 July 1903, W. Bell s.n. ( BM) ; Leicestershire: Knighton Spinneys , Sept.1904, W. Bell s.n. ( BM) ; Nyor [?], 31 October 1893, H.J. Riddelsdell s.n. ( BM) ; Norfolk: Strumshaw Fen Nature Reserve, cultivated at The Natural History Museum´s Wildlife Garden , fen area, 10 July 2002, A.R. Vickery 883 ( BM, BSB particularly pilose form!) ; South Bank of River Kennet , 25 km W of footbridge over river, 51°24’N, 01°10’ W, 03 Sept. 1994, L. C. & S.L. Jury 358 (B) ; Oxfordshire: Oxon, North Stoke , Sept. 1912, G.C. Druce 2250 ( BM) ; Oxon, Island, Goring , 26 June 1900, A.J. Riddelsdell s.n. ( BM) ; Derby, Alverston , 13 Aug. 1943, D.P. Young s.n. ( BM) ; Surrey: West Barnes , 30 July 1908, C.E. Britton s.n. ( BM, sparsly covered with stinging hairs) ; West Barens, Morton , 13 Aug. 1908, C.E. Britton s.n. ( BM) ; Wimbledon Common , Sept. 1920, H.S. Redgrove s.n. ( BM) ; Sussex: Forest Row , 23 Sept. 1916, F.J. Hanbury s.n. (2 x BM) ; Western Lancaster [?]: near Inskip , 5 Aug. 1895, E.S. Marshall s.n. ( BM) .

Intermediate specimens to var. dioica :— GERMANY. Brandenburg: Dahlwitzer Landstr. N of Friedrichshagen, at town sign left into bridle path, again left, left wayside, 44 m, 17 Aug. 2007, T. Camenzind 15 (♂, BONN) ; same locality and date, T. Camenzind 16 (♂, BONN) ; Grosser Wannsee, Street “Am Postfenn”, 20 May 2002, M. & K. Weigend 7103 (♀, BONN) ; W of Müncheberg , in a Carpinus-Quercus-forest, June 2002, cultivated in Berlin July 2004, M. & K. Weigend 5647-C (♀ and <♂ ♀>, BONN) ; Havelländisches Luch, N of Brandenburg near Seelensdorf , 9 June 2002, M. & K. Weigend 7120 (♀, BM, BSB, GB, M, W) ;— POLAND. Bialystok: Bielowicza, Aug. 2005, original collection by A. K. Pietrcyk & D. Ullmann, cultivated in Berlin Aug. 2006, M. Weigend 8702 (<♂ ♀>, B, BONN, FR, M, UPS) ; same collection and date, original collection by A. K. Pietrcyk & D. Ullmann, cultivated in Berlin Aug. 2006, M. Weigend 8701 (♀, B, BONN, G, M) ; Bielowicza, October 2001, I. Polunin s.n., cultivated in Berlin July 2002, M. & K. Weigend 5655-C (♀, BONN, M) ;— SWITZERLAND. Wallis: Baltschiedertal, near Raaft, above Visp , ca. 1000 m, 02 Sept. 2004, M. & K. Weigend 8115 (♀, BONN) ; Zeneggen near Visp , between Zeneggen and Castel, 1500–1800 m, 01 Sept. 2004 ,, M. & K. Weigend 8110 (♀, BM, BONN, LE, M, P, W), specimens prepared from cultivated plants in June 2005, M. & K. Weigend 8110-C (♀, BONN) .

Figures

FIGURE 4. Urtica dioica L. subsp. dioica var. holosericea: (B, E: Opf. 8100, C, D, F: Opf. 8099), A. Habit with typical beaded female inflorescences, B. Node with leaf pair and female inflorescences, C. Node with leaf pair and male inflorescences, D. Stem fine pubescent with only few stinging hairs, E. Leaves of the upper and median portion of the stem narrowly ovate, only marginally cordate, leaf margins shallowly crenate to serrate, F. Node with stipules.