About
Apocynum androsaemifolium, commonly known as spreading dogbane, is a perennial plant that typically reaches a height of around 75 cm. This species is indigenous to the wild regions of North America. It features pairs of oval, medium-green leaves that grow opposite each other along the stems. In summer, it produces small clusters of fragrant, bell-shaped flowers that are pale pink with darker pink stripes on the interior. After flowering, the plant develops elongated seed pods filled with silky-haired seeds.
About the genus
This small genus comprises bushy, herbaceous perennials found in North America, temperate Asia, and southeastern Europe. They feature lanceolate or oval leaves and produce clusters of bell-shaped flowers that range in color from greenish-white to pink-purple, often emitting a pleasant fragrance.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
- Toxicity
- All parts of the plant are highly toxic if eaten and toxins may be absorbed through skin contact with the milky sap, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Widely distributed through North America where it can be invasive in some instances, Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or part shade
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free