Spreading Dogbane
Spreading dogbane (Apocynum androsaemilfolium) is a perennial found on dry slopes at low to mid elevations
- Branched stems grow from rhizomes.
- Opposite, oval-lanceolate dropping leaves grow on the stems.
- The stems have a milky juice. The leaves glabrous on the top side and hairy on the bottom side.
- Small pink bell-shaped flowers appear on the stems and at the ends.
- The flowers are showy, sweet-smelling and are pollinated by a variety of insects, including butterflies and bees.
- Pods of seeds form after flowering.
- Fluffy seeds are dispersed by the wind later in the summer.
- Spreading dogbane can fill in a whole slope where there is little competition. On our south-facing slopes, this is usually in early June.
- There are two species in BC, each with minor variations.
- The plant is poisonous and is avoided by most wildlife.