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what plant caused this? #754490

Asked June 07, 2021, 12:00 PM EDT

My daughter was mowing her large yard and doing some weeding. At one point she brushed against some plant that put tiny reddish/maroon needles into her arm. It was irritating not exceptionally painful. It was possible to remove them with tweezers. They did not penetrate the skin deeply. We would like to know what this plant is.

Livingston County Michigan

Expert Response

Would it be possible to add a few photos to this message? You can drop files in the section marked drop files below

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I got the reply and they asked for pictures if I had any so I forwarded the message to my daughter since she has some pictures.
On Monday, June 7, 2021, 12:07:10 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:



Dear Susie,

Thank you for using Ask Extension. A request for support has been created and a representative will follow-up with you as soon as possible. You can view this question's progress online.

YOUR QUESTION #0024421:

what plant caused this?

My daughter was mowing her large yard and doing some weeding. At one point she brushed against some plant that put tiny reddish/maroon needles into her arm. It was irritating not exceptionally painful. It was possible to remove them with tweezers. They did not penetrate the skin deeply. We would like to know what this plant is.

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The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2021, 12:31 PM EDT

two pictures i tool before removing all the little nettle type things with tweezers. 

The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2021, 12:33 PM EDT
Sounds like you have come into contact with a common weed known as "stinging nettles".  Ouch for sure! This is the main reason I use gloves when weeding.  Here are a couple of sites to further describe this.  https://weedid.missouri.edu/weedinfo.cfm?weed_id=297

https://bygl.osu.edu/node/596

Thank you for your question! Rebecca Finneran Michigan State University Extension Senior Horticulture Educator Learn how t be a Smart Gardener here www.migarden.msu.edu Replied June 07, 2021, 2:38 PM EDT
I found a similar situation on some briar or berry vines. I can't get my photos to move over.
Sorry.
On Monday, June 7, 2021, 12:13:16 PM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2021, 2:52 PM EDT

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