Alphabetical Plant Listing

Apocynum cannabinum (Indian Hemp)

Indian Hemp, Prairie Dogbane, Hemp Dogbane, Dogbane, Apocynum cannabinum var. angustifolium, Apocynum cannabinum var. glaberrimum, Apocynum cannabinum var. greeneanum, Apocynum cannabinum var. hypericifolium, Apocynum cannabinum var. nemorale, Apocynum cannabinum var. pubescens, Apocynum cannabinum var. suksdorfii, Apocynum hypericifolium, Apocynum pubescens, Apocynum sibiricum, Apocynum sibiricum var. cordigerum, Apocynum sibiricum var. farwellii, Apocynum sibiricum var. salignum, Apocynum suksdorfii, Apocynum suksdorfii var. angustifolium


Very attractive to butterflies, Apocynum cannabinum (Indian Hemp) is a perennial herbaceous plant of erect to ascending growth habit. It bears opposite, lance-shaped leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), on upright, reddish stems. From late spring to late summer, dense terminal clusters of tiny, greenish-white flowers are visited by 19 species of bees and wasps, flies, butterflies, and moths. Butterfly gardeners grow Indian Hemp because it is a valuable native nectar plant. The fragrant flowers attract honeybees for nectar, making almost colorless honey. The blossoms are followed by long, 4 in. (10 cm), narrow pods that contain many silk-tufted seeds. Indian Hemp has an extensive, deep root and rhizome system that has been found as deep as 13 feet (4 m) below the soil surface and may extend up to 20 feet (6 m) in radial spread. Found throughout much of North America, Indian Hemp grows in open wooded areas, ditches, and hillsides. It is found in gravelly or sandy soil, mainly near streams in shady or moist places. It is used for the rehabilitation of disturbed sites and is also recognized as a worthwhile native landscaping plant because it can help suppress weeds.

  • Grows up to 2-6 ft. tall (60-180 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). This species can become a serious weed as it is aggressive and difficult to control.
  • Easily grown in average, dry to moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers sandy soils. Once established, this plant is drought tolerant.
  • A good choice for large spaces where this plant could roam freely, such as butterfly gardens, native plant gardens, and meadows.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • All parts of the plant are poisonous and can cause cardiac arrest if ingested.  The stems contain a milky latex capable of causing skin blisters.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Native to North America.

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Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Perennials
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 2' – 6' (60cm – 180cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm)
Water Needs Average, High
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Andrey Zharkikh, Nicholas Tippery, Flickr

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Perennials
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 2' – 6' (60cm – 180cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm)
Water Needs Average, High
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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