Description Hemp dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum), also known as prairie dogbane and Indian hemp, produces slender, upright stems to about 4 feet tall, with near-white flowers in early to midsummer. They are followed by long, narrow seedpods that split in fall to release silky-tufted seeds. Native to almost every part of North America, this plant has a very interesting history as a fiber plant. (You can learn more about its fascinating traditional uses in this article: USDA Plant Guide.) Hemp dogbane is an excellent plant to grow if you want to support pollinators. Closely related to the milkweeds, it attracts many kind of bees, wasps, flies, and butterflies. Be aware, though, that it can be toxic to livestock when eaten. It also spreads vigorously by creeping rhizomes and can be aggressive, crowding out other species, so I don’t recommend it unless you have lots of space in a meadow setting (not in a garden border or near a pasture). Full sun. Perennial; Zones 3 to 10. Collected in October 2025. Provenance Bucks County, PA (seeds are from wild plants growing in my meadow, so PA ecotype). At least 20 seeds. Shipping to U.S. addresses only. Please read the germination information as well before ordering.
