Apocynum androsaemifolium - Spreading Dogbane

Family:	Apocynaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.6
Width:	1
Synonyms:
Range:	Northern N. America.

Apocynum androsaemifolium (Spreading Dogbane) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.6m and a width of 1m . It has a hardness rating of 4.
Spreading Dogbane will flower in January. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by

Soil Information

Spreading Dogbane will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Spreading Dogbane prefers either dry or moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Spreading Dogbane can grow in full, semi shaded areas and areas with no shade.

Open woodland, woodland edges etc, usually on drier soils[43, 62].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Is suited to a deeply shaded location

Cultivation Details

Prefers an acid peaty soil[1] but it succeeds in sun or shade in most well-drained soils and climates[169, 200]. A very ornamental plant[1], but it can be invasive[200]. The flowers the flowers secrete a sweet liquid that is very attractive to flies[4]. The flies are then imprisoned by their proboscis which becomes trapped between the short filaments of the stamens[207].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
Spreading dogbane is an unpleasantly bitter stimulant irritant herb that acts on the heart, respiratory and urinary systems, and also on the uterus[238]. It was widely employed by the native North American Indians who used it to treat a wide variety of complaints including headaches, convulsions, earache, heart palpitations, colds, insanity and dizziness[257]. It should be used with great caution, and only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner if taking this plant internally[21, 238]. The root contains cymarin, a cardioactive glycoside that is toxic to ruminants[222]. The root is cardiotonic, cathartic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic and expectorant[1, 4, 21, 61, 222]. It has a powerful action in slowing the pulse and also has a very strong action on the vaso-motor system, it is rather an irritant to the mucous membranes though, so some people cannot tolerate it[4]. The juice of the fresh root has been used in the treatment of syphilis[207]. The sap of the plant has been applied externally to get rid of warts[257]. The roots were boiled in water and the water drunk once a week in order to prevent conception[213]. The green fruits were boiled and the decoction used in the treatment of heart and kidney problems and for the treatment of dropsy[213]. This preparation can irritate the intestines and cause unpleasant side-effects[213].

• Cardiotonic - A tonic for the heart.
• Cathartic - A strong laxative but less violent than a purgative.
• Contraceptive - Prevents fertilization occurring in females.
• Diaphoretic - Induces perspiration.
• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
• Emetic - Induces vomiting.
• Expectorant - Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
• VD - Used in the treatment of venereal disease

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in late summer and overwintered outdoors. The seed requires a period of cold stratification if it is to germinate well[238]. Prick out the seedlings when large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter, planting out in late spring of the following year[K]. Division in spring just before active growth begins[200]. Plants can also be divided in the autumn[238].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are poisonous[1, 62].

Other Uses

The bark yields a good quality fibre that is used for making twine, bags, linen etc[4, 99, 155, 257]. It is inferior to A. cannabinum[99]. The fibre is finer and stronger than cotton[207]. It can be harvested after the leaves fall in the autumn but is probably at its best as the seed pods are forming[169]. The plant yields a latex, which is a possible source of rubber[46, 61]. It is obtained by making incisions on the stem and resembles indiarubber when dry[4].

• Fibre - Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
• Latex - A source of rubber.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Gray's Manual of Botany.
Fernald. M. L.
Author: Fernald. M. L.
Rating:
Publisher : A bit dated but good and concise flora of the eastern part of N. America.
Date of Publication : 1950

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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