spreading dogbane

Apocynum androsaemifolium L.

characteristics

A large spreading perennial herb with clusters of delicate white, bell-shaped flowers. Insides of the fragrant flowers are marked with streaks of pink. Spreads rapidly.

This plant is poisonous.

Starts from seed. Requires cold stratification for 60 days.

habitat

Open hillsides, fields, forest margins and roadsides.

uses

A nectar source for bees.

A nesting place for crab spiders.

The root was once used to treat bites of mad dogs, hence the name.

North American aboriginals used the fibrous inner bark for making rope.