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Stinging nettle grows in moist sites along streams and ditches, on mountain slopes, in woodland clearings, and in areas with disturbed soil. Various North American types can be found from Florida and northern Mexico to the Canadian provinces. Other strains grow in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

Horses don’t usually eat stinging nettle, but if they lie down or roll on the plant, glassy hairs from the plant’s leaves and stems cause a skin reaction characterized by wheals or hives and an intensely painful stinging sensation that may last 24 hours or more. Horses have been reported to lean away from the affected side, repeatedly throw themselves to the ground, or collapse. Signs may suggest colic, but the presence of the swollen hive-like rash should be a key in diagnosing the problem. Owners should be extremely cautious when leading or handling these horses, as they may jump, kick, pull away, break into a gallop, and collide with objects in their attempts to escape the unpleasant sensation.

Treatment with pain relievers, corticosteroids, and antihistamines often provides little or no relief. Folk remedies including application of leaves, plant juices, mud, saliva, onions, white vinegar, or milk of magnesia are no more effective. Mild sedation and turning the horse out into an area where it is relatively safe from self-injury are recommended. The skin reaction slowly diminishes, and horses make a complete recovery within a few days to weeks.

Stinging nettle can be identified by regional agricultural extension agents, who can also advise on control or elimination of the plant from pastures.

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