Names and Myth

Apocynum dogbane

Dogbanes were once classed as milkweeds now they are in their own family. ¹⁷

Cannabinum like hemp or cannabis

Natural history / Folklore

Flowers are designed to attract butterflies and bees, both of which have long tongues. Flies and other small short-tongued insects may become trapped and die. ¹⁷

Apocynum is a strong drug that slows the pulse and may also induce vomiting.¹⁷  As little as 28g of the green leaves is enough to kill a cow.³⁸

Indian hemp’s stems were gathered by the Indians and the outer layers were twisted into threads and used for ropes, Nets, and fishing lines. ¹⁷

Description

June – August Milky juice, greenish white flowers, reddish stems and opposite leaves.