Boehmeria splitgerbera

Sandpaper Plant Urticaceae

A particularly interesting Japanese false nettle, forming an upright, branching clump of handsome, broadly ovate leaves with a distinctly serrated margin. The foliage is the principal attraction, while the small greenish flowers are produced in slender clusters along the stems in summer. It is a plant with rather more ecological versatility than its refined appearance suggests, growing naturally on sea cliffs and rocky coastal habitats, as well as in disturbed sites and even cracks in concrete walls.

Its native range is Japan, the southern Kuril Islands and Jeju Island in Korea, with Japan forming the core of its distribution. Kew currently accepts Boehmeria splitgerbera as the correct name; B. biloba and Splitgerbera japonica are among its synonyms. 

 Its more interesting modern story is ecological: research in Hokkaido has found it flourishing on artificial coastal structures, suggesting considerable tolerance of exposed, harsh sites. 

Height: 80–150cm
Spread: 60–100cm
Flowers: Summer
Hardiness: H5–H6, approximately −15 to −10°C

A fine foliage plant for the adventurous gardener — part woodland perennial, part coastal survivor, and completely sting-free.