Apocynum cannabinum

Apocynum cannabinum is toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The reported severity is moderate. Also known as Hemp Dogbane.

dogs cats horses

Mild Moderate Severe Critical

If your animal ate this plant, call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline on (855) 764-7661. Fees may apply.

Symptoms to watch for

Diarrhea Slow Heart Rate Weakness Abdominal Pain Vomiting Cardiac Arrhythmias

The color of each symptom follows the severity scale above.

About

Apocynum cannabinum is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows throughout much of North America—in the southern half of Canada and throughout the United States. It is poisonous to humans, dogs, cats, and horses. All parts of the plant contain toxic cardiac glycosides that can cause potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias if ingested. Some Lepidoptera can withstand the toxins and feed on this plant.

How this plant poisons

It is poisonous to humans, dogs, cats, and horses. All parts of the plant are toxic and contain cardiac glycosides. The plant is toxic both green and dried. The stems contain a white sap capable of causing skin blisters.

Common Names

  • Hemp Dogbane

Also recorded as American-hemp, Black Indian Hemp, Common Dogbane, Dogbane, Indian Hemp and Prairie Dogbane.

Facts

Family
Apocynaceae
Duration
Perennial
Growth habit
Forb/herb
Native to
Newfoundland, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Ontario
In the wild
US, CA, CN, MX, UA, KR + more
Source
Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Elsewhere

Countries with the most wild observations, from GBIF data.