Ethnobotany of stinging nettle (Urtica simensis Hochst. ex. A. Rich.) in the Oromia region of central and southeastern highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract Background Stinging nettle, Urtica simensis , has a wide range of distribution in the highlands Ethiopia with untapped potential for sustainable supply healthy and nutritious food. This study was conducted to document ethnobotanical uses U. associated traditional knowledge indigenous people identify factors limiting harvesting utilization stinging nettle North Shewa (R4), Bale Arsi zones Oromia region, central southeastern Ethiopia. Methods Thirteen districts were purposively selected from three total 130 respondents sampled, consideration gender, age, occupation, wealth status. Data collected using semistructured interviews, tour-guided field observations, focus group discussions. IBM SPSS Statistical software package used analyze data. Results Pearson’s chi-square analysis showed that there is significant association (P < 0.05) between use categories. plants have an average value index 0.91 role (FL = 44.8%) as source food fodder. Cultural norms values followed by lack stinginess main factor consumption . significantly higher correlations various (r2 0.931, p 0.001) indicating stigma related being poor man or famine probably major simensis. Conclusions Future strategic policies should consider fodder fight insecurity improve wellbeing society. There need local level countrywide awareness creation, domestication, future research on addition processing effective plant.