After a forum search I was very surprised not to see this topic treated anywhere on Permies:
does anyone have native patches, or a source who is able to offer cuttings, of the fen nettle (Urtica dioica ssp. galeopsifolia), which is supposed to have all of the benefits of the
nettle (soil health, filled with nutrients, beneficial insect attraction, a
perennial, drought proof source of clothing fibre... what can't that thing do), with none (or almost none) of that ugly stinging. I've wanted to plant nettles for a while in my young forest garden, but that has garnered a very understandable lack of approval from my wife. I've never been stung personally, but it doesn't sound like I'm missing much.
That's why it's hard to believe there hasn't been more interest in propagating this stingless relative! The only accounts of this nettle I've found
online are in Europe, mainly in the U.K. I would be super appreciative if someone were able to
root some cuttings and send them over. I would gladly pay it forward and share it with other forest gardeners!