Review of biology and ecology of Urtica dioica

Main aspects of biology and ecology of a clonal herb Urtica dioica are presented as a rev iew of literature, including the both authors' previous work on the species. Taxonomical position and distribution of the spec ies are described as well as its habitat requirements and the role it pl ays in plant communities. Mineral nutrition, litter fall and its decomposition, phenology, floral ecology, seed ecology and dispersal, architecture of the root and rhizome system, response to cutting, herbivores feeding on the pl ant and its competitive ability in relation to other species are also considered.