HEMP DOGBANE, Apocynum cannabinum L. 1, seed pods; 2, section of stems and rootstock; 3, upper part of stem with leaves and flowers; 4, seed. Perennial, reproducing by seed and long, horizontal rootstocks. Stems erect, 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) tall from a woody base, exuding milky juice when broken. Leaves erect, elliptical, narrow, and smooth edged. Flowers with 5 greenish-white petals which are slightly longer than the green sepals. Seed pod long and slender. Seed thin and flat, with a tuft of soft silky hairs at one end. Found in wasteland and cultivated fields. Another species of dogbane, Apocynum sibericum Jacq., is very similar to this one and is found in abundance in much of the same area.