Hemp Dogbane

Apocynum cannabinum

''Apocynum cannabinum'' is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows throughout much of North America - in the southern half of Canada and throughout the United States. All parts of the plant are poisonous and can cause cardiac arrest if ingested.
Hemp Dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) At a meadowy powerline cut at a forested wetland edge.
 Apocynum cannabinum,Geotagged,Hemp Dogbane,Spring,United States

Appearance

''Apocynum cannabinum'' grows up to 2 m tall. The stems are reddish and contain a milky latex capable of causing skin blisters. The leaves are opposite, simple broad lanceolate, 7–15 cm long and 3–5 cm broad, entire, and smooth on top with white hairs on the underside. It flowers from July to August, has large sepals, and a five-lobed white corolla. The flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by moths and butterflies.
Apocynum sibiricum (Clasping Dogbane) Sessile lower leaves diiferentiate this species from the similar Apocynum cannabinum which has all leaves petiolate.   Apocynum cannabinum,Geotagged,Summer,United States,dogbane

Distribution

This species is native to North America. However, in gardens it can be unwanted, growing from spreading roots.
Apocynum cannabinum At Kinder Farm Park This is a picture of Apocynum cannabinum at Kinder Farm Park in Millersville, Maryland. Apocynum cannabinum,Geotagged,Hemp Dogbane,Summer,United States

Habitat

''Apocynum cannabinum'' grows in open wooded areas, ditches, and hillsides. It is found in gravelly or sandy soil, mainly near streams in shady or moist places.
Hemp Dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) In a grassy meadow behind a commercial area.
 Apocynum cannabinum,Geotagged,Summer,United States

Food

The seeds have an edible use as a meal when ground into a powder.
Apocynum sibiricum (Clasping Dogbane) Upper leaves of Apocynum sibiricum tend to be short petiolate. Apocynum cannabinum,Dogbane,Geotagged,Summer,United States

Uses

The plant can be used for various purposes. The most used parts are the seeds, the root, and the bark.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
DivisionAngiosperms
ClassEudicots
OrderGentianales
FamilyApocynaceae
GenusApocynum
SpeciesA. cannabinum