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.