Pocket BotanistPlant guide
Indian hemp.
Apocynum cannabinum
Pronounced uh-POS-ih-num kan-NAH-bih-num
Also known as American-hemp, Black Indian Hemp, Common Dogbane, Dogbane, Hemp Dogbane, Indian Hemp, Indian-hemp, Prairie Dogbane
Indian hemp is a hardy perennial native to North America that thrives in open fields and along stream banks. It is known for its fibrous stems which were historically used for cordage. You will find it spreads easily through underground rhizomes.
At a glance
- Care level
- Easy
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Light
- Full sun
- Indoor light
- Direct sun
- Water
- Every 7 to 14 days
- Mature size
- 3 to 5 feet
- Growth rate
- Fast
Care
Plant this in a spot with plenty of sun and well draining soil. Watch for aggressive spreading, as it can quickly take over a garden bed. It is quite drought tolerant once it is established.
- Watering
- Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
- Feeding
- A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring is plenty.
- Pruning
- Cut the stems back to the ground in late autumn after the foliage dies back.
- Repotting
- If growing in a container, move to a larger pot every few years to accommodate its vigorous root system.
- Soil
- Well draining sandy or loamy soil
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 7.5
Safety
- Pets
- This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested due to cardiac glycosides.
How to identify it
- Opposite lance shaped leaves
- Small white bell shaped flowers
- Milky white sap in stems
- Long slender seed pods
- Reddish stems on mature plants
Science
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Genus
- Apocynum
- Order
- Gentianales
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.
Also in
Is your indian hemp looking unwell?
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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.