Spreading Dogbane – 6/13/20

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/13/20

Observation Time: 6:15 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: Spreading Dogbane

Scientific Name: Apocynum androsaemifolium

Comments: Spreading dogbane is a showy member of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) that is found in nearly all of the 50 states except some in the southeast. The common name, dogbane, and the genus name, “Apocynum,” meaning “away from dog,” are testaments to the toxic nature of this plant, not only to dogs, but to humans, livestock, and other mammals as well. The plant is poisonous due to the cardiac glycosides it contains.

Spreading dogbane is common in North America, and is widespread across most of the United States and Canada, and in Alaska, California, and northeast Mexico.

More Information: U.S. Forest Service