Dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum)

 

    

Dogbane  (Apocynum cannabinum) is a perennial wildflower native to North America, including Wisconsing. It grows up to two feet tall. The flowers form in dense terminal clusters and are tiny, greenish white to white and bell-shaped. The leaves are opposite, lance-shaped, six inches long, and smooth on top with white hairs on the underside. They grow on upright reddish stems. The plant grows in woodlands and woodland edges, ditches, and hillsides. It can be found in gravelly or sandy soil mainly near streams in shady or moist places.

In addition,  Dogbane contains a milky, latex-like sap, similar to that of milkweed,  that is toxic to humans and animals due to cardiac glycosides, which historically earned it the name “dogbane,” meaning “away from dog." The plant spreads by underground rhizomes and can form colonies, sometimes making it aggressive in garden settings. Its fragrant, bell-shaped flowers bloom in early to mid-summer and are a valuable nectar source for pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbird moths. Despite its toxicity, it plays an important ecological role.

Indigenous peoples used Dogbane extensively: the tough inner fibers of the stems were harvested in fall and woven into thread, rope, nets, and textiles. Medicinally, it was used with great caution to treat ailments ranging from colds to skin conditions, though modern use is discouraged due to its potent compounds.

Dogbane’s reddish stems and early fall color change—often turning brilliant yellow—make it a striking presence in naturalized areas. It’s best suited for wild gardens, woodland edges, or restoration projects where its spreading habit and ecological value can shine. (July)