hemp dogbane
ExplorePlants
hemp dogbane
Apocynum cannabinum
Hemp dogbane is a tall plant with pretty green leaves and clusters of small white flowers. It grows in sunny places and can be found in fields and along roadsides.
Habitat: Fields and roadsides
Appearance
The hemp dogbane has slender, reddish-green stems and oval to lance-shaped leaves with smooth edges. Its small, bell-shaped flowers are typically greenish-white to yellow, appearing in clusters at the stem tips. A distinguishing feature is the milky white sap it exudes when broken.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderGentianalesFamilyApocynaceaeGenusApocynum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
61
Interesting facts
After blooming, it grows long, slender seed pods that look like twin needles.
Beware its name! 'Dogbane' means it was once thought to kill dogs.
Native Americans used its tough fibers to weave strong nets and fishing lines.
The milky sap inside can irritate skin and cause painful blisters!
Special abilities
Ability
Sticky Shield
Hemp dogbane can ooze a milky white sap that contains toxins, deterring hungry herbivores from taking a bite.
Ability
Deep Anchors
This plant has deep rhizomatous roots that help it survive droughts and spread effectively in its habitat.
Ability
Natural Ropes
Hemp dogbane has incredibly strong, fibrous stems, allowing it to withstand strong winds and historically be used by humans for cordage.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 50-150 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.2-0.4 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Moderate
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
visits flowers for nectar
pollinates
Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Bombus impatiens
collects nectar from flowers
eaten by
Apocynum Flea Beetle
Phaeochrous emarginatus
larvae and adults feed on leaves
eaten by
Apocynum Aphid
Aphis apocyni
sucks sap from stems and leaves
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Cluster Flower
Cluster flowers are inflorescences where individual flowers are arranged closely together on a common stem.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Fiber
This human use trait identifies species that yield natural fibers, used by humans for textiles, rope, paper, and other manufactured goods.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Don't touch the plant without asking an adult, as some parts can be irritating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify hemp dogbane?
The easiest way to identify hemp dogbane is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is hemp dogbane?
50-150 cm
How wide does hemp dogbane spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on hemp dogbane?
0.2-0.4 cm
When does hemp dogbane bloom?
Summer
Is hemp dogbane edible?
No
Is hemp dogbane toxic?
Moderate
What is hemp dogbane's lifecycle?
Perennial
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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Recent Snaps
Jun 7, 2026
East Windsor Hill Historic Districti
Photo attribution
(c) Mark Apgar, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 6, 2026
East Windsor Hill Historic Districti
Photo attribution
(c) Mark Apgar, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 6, 2026
East Windsor Hill Historic Districti
Photo attribution
(c) Mark Apgar, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 3, 2026
Newbern Historic Districti
Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 1, 2026
High Trestle Traili
Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
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