Dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) — Care, Growing Conditions & Wildlife Value

Growing Conditions

Light Sun – Part Shade

Water Dry – Medium

Soil Sandy

Size 3-4'

Bloom White, Jun–Aug

Why Grow It

Pollinator Magnet Attracts many types of pollinators

Deer Resistant Great for gardens without fencing

Did You Know?

Dogbane's strong stem fibers were so valued by Native Americans for making cordage, fishing nets, and textiles that the plant earned the name 'Indian Hemp.'

Despite being in the same family as milkweed, Dogbane is NOT a suitable host plant for Monarch caterpillars — females may lay eggs on it, but the larvae cannot survive on it.

The tiny white flowers are powerhouse nectar producers, attracting over 100 species of insects including specialized native bees, butterflies, and beetles.

Wildlife Value

🦋

Dogbane Tiger Moth Caterpillars feed on toxic foliage

🦋

Snowberry Clearwing Larvae use dogbane as a host plant

🐝

Stem-nesting Bees Nest in hollow dead stems over winter

Good Companions

🌼 Wild Bergamot 🌸 Common Milkweed 🌿 Switchgrass 🌾 Big Bluestem

Planting Guide

Plant in full sun in medium to dry soil.
Space 18–24 inches apart; spreads by rhizomes.
Allow room to colonize; good for meadow edges.

Heads Up

Toxic to Humans Keep away from children

Spreads by Root Spreads quickly; may need containment

Dogbane