Apocynum cannabinum

Apocynum cannabinum (dogbane, amy root, hemp dogbane, prairie dogbane, Indian hemp, rheumatism root, or wild cotton)^[2] is a perennialherbaceous plant that grows throughout much of North America - in the southern half of Canada and throughout the United States.^[1][3] It is a poisonous plant: Apocynum means "poisonous to dogs". All parts of the plant are poisonous and can cause cardiac arrest if ingested. The cannabinum in the scientific name and the common names hemp dogbane and Indian hemp refer to its similarity to Cannabis as a fiber plant (see Hemp), rather than as a source of a psychoactive drug (see Cannabis (drug)

Distribution and habitat

Apocynum cannabinum grows in open wooded areas, ditches, and hillsides. It is found in gravelly or sandy soil, mainly near streams in shady or moist places.

Description

Apocynum cannabinum grows up to 2 meters/6 feet tall. The stems are reddish and contain a milky latex capable of causing skin blisters. The leaves are opposite, simple broad lanceolate, 7–15 cm long and 3–5 cm broad, entire, and smooth on top with white hairs on the underside. It flowers from July to August, has large sepals, and a five-lobed white corolla. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by moths and butterflies.

Invasive species

In gardens it can be invasive, growing from spreading roots. When growing among corn, Apocynum cannabinum can reduce yields by up to 10% and when growing among soybeans, by up to 40%. It can be controlled through mechanical means, although it is difficult to control with herbicides.

Uses

The plant can be used for various purposes. The most used parts are the seeds, the root and the bark.

Fiber

A very strong and good quality fiber obtained from the bark is a flax substitute that does not shrink and retains its strength in water.^[5] It is used for making clothes, twine, bags, linen, paper, etc.^[5] The plant yields a latex which is a possible source of rubber.^[5] Apocynum cannabinum was used as a source of fiber by Native Americans,^[6] to make hunting nets, fishing lines, clothing, and twine.^[4] It is called qéemu [qǽːmu] in Nez Perce and [taxʷɨ́s] in Sahaptin. The Concow tribe call the plant pö (Konkow language)