Ramie (Boehmeria nivea) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Ramie is a plant grown for strong, silky fibers from its stems. In the United States, it has been cultivated in the Southeast and California. Its broad, toothed leaves often have dense white hairs underneath.

Appearance

Growth form: An upright perennial that can reach about 8–10 ft (2.4–3 m) in favorable conditions.
Leaves: Broad, toothed leaves grow alternately. Many plants have dense white hairs underneath.
Flowers: Small greenish flowers cluster where leaves meet the stem.
Flowering time: In a Missouri garden, it flowers in July and August.

Look-alikes

false nettleBoehmeria cylindrica

False nettle usually has opposite leaves, while ramie leaves are alternate. Ramie often has a white, feltlike leaf underside.

Why they get mixed upBoth have toothed leaves and small greenish flowers.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: cultivated plots
gardens
Range: Native to Asia, ramie has been introduced in states including Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and South Carolina.
Flowering: Flowers Jul–Aug
Flowers Jul–Aug

Growing it

Propagation: Underground stems send up new shoots.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: Its stem fibers are used to make cloth.

12 sources