Apocynum spp.

Apocynum spp. is toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The reported severity is moderate. Also known as Dogbane Family, Dogbanes and 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, commonly known as dogbane or Indian hemp, is a small genus of the flowering plant family Apocynaceae. Its name comes from Ancient Greek ἀπόκυνον, from ἀπο- apo- "away" and κύων kyōn "dog", referring to dogbane, which was used to poison dogs. The genus is native to North America, temperate Asia, and southeastern Europe.

Common Names

  • Dogbane Family
  • Dogbanes
  • Hemp Dogbane
  • Spreading Dogbane
  • Spear-Leaved Dogbane
  • Intermediate Dogbane
  • False Flowering Spurge
  • Dwarf Milkroof

Also recorded as Dogbane.

Facts

Family
Apocynaceae
Duration
Perennial
Growth habit
Forb/herb
In the wild
US, CA, CN, MX, UA, RU + more
Source
Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Elsewhere

Countries with the most wild observations, from GBIF data.