From June to August, this multi-stemmed perennial herb grows 2 to 3 feet tall with nodding, bell-shaped, white or pink flowers that emit a light lilac scent. A surprise--dark pink stripes--awaits those who take a closer look at the inside of the flowers. The green, ovate-shaped leaves tend to droop a little, exposing attractive red stems. The leaves turn a pleasant shade of yellow in the fall, and the red stems are vibrant throughout winter. Spreading dogbane needs full or part sun and well-drained, medium to dry soils. It's often found in sandy, rocky, or gravelly soils and is very drought tolerant.
Dogbane is closely related to milkweed, and its flowers produce an enticing nectar that is an important food source for monarch butterflies and other insects. Dogbanes are not, however, a larval food for monarchs. As the name implies, spreading dogbane spreads by means of creeping rhizomes, which makes it more suitable for woodlands and meadows than for small, urban gardens. It also spreads easily by wind-dispersed seeds. If desired, cut back the plant after flowering to help keep it contained.
Its name comes from the ancient Greek word apo, meaning "away," and kuon, meaning "dog," referring to the plant's traditional use to control populations of feral dogs. The milky sap is toxic to mammals, including humans, horses, cattle, sheep, and pets, so plant with caution. Animals often avoid eating the plant because the sap is bitter and sticky.
Native habitats include forests and woodlands, prairies, meadows, and fields. It's found throughout the United States and much of Canada. It's used in prairie restorations to stabilize soils.
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 2-3' tall and 1-4' wide.
Grows in full or part sun.
Prefers average to dry, well-drained soils, including sandy, rocky, or gravelly. Highly drought tolerant.
Flower has 5 fused petals that form a flaring bell. Each flower gives way to a pair of narrow pods about 4" long. Pod contains many small, tufted seeds similar to milkweed seeds.
Green leaves are simple and opposite. Fall color is yellow.
Reproductive System: flower has both male and female parts (perfect/bisexual).
Wildlife Value:
Host plant for 17 species of Lepidoptera larvae, including specialists American lotus borer, dogbane saucrobotys, Oregon cycnia, Marmara apocynella Braun, and six-spotted gray.
Medicinal, Edible, and Other Uses:
The root was used by many Native American tribes for a range of medicinal purposes. The Chippewa made decoctions of the root for colds, convulsions, headaches, ear aches, heart palpitations, mental illness, vertigo, and as protection against evil.
Fibers from the stems were processed to make fine thread or strong cordage, such as for bow strings.
Warning: cardiac glycosides in the sap are toxic to cattle, horses, sheep, and pets when ingested. Both dried and green plants are toxic. The sap may cause a mild cause skin irritation in some people.
Resources:
America's College Veterinary Pharmacists
https://vetmeds.org/pet-poison-control-list/dogbane-indian-hemp/
Go Botany
Johnson's Nursery
https://kb.jniplants.com/spreading-dogbane-apocynum-androsaemifolium
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=apan2
Native Wildlife Federation
https://nativeplantfinder.nwf.org/Plants/226
USDA Forest Service
https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/apocynum_androsaemifolium.shtml
