The stinging nettle itself is only one of the plant, which is collectively named „nettle plant”. In Europe, approximately 45 varieties of this plant can be found. The qualities of the soil as well as the nettle variety are very important factors for the cultivation of stinging nettle. The different varieties grow between 10 and 250 cm tall. A lot of different types of butterflies use the stinging nettle as nourishment when they are still caterpillars. The human being, however, likes the younger shoots better and uses them, depending on age and freshness, for salads, cooked or even for the production of delicious cheese. A freshly brewed stinging nettle tea can be described as typically herbal with a slight hint od spinach.