--- { "id": "hemp-dogbane", "name": "Hemp dogbane", "scientific": "Apocynum cannabinum", "category": "native", "status": "Native Colorado plant · not on state Lists A/B/C", "status_sources": [ "C-floristic-2020", "CO-rules-2025" ], "warning": "Cardiac-glycoside poisoning hazard for people and animals", "warning_tone": "danger", "aliases": [ "Indian hemp", "prairie dogbane" ], "taxonomy_note": "Not Cannabis. Apocynum androsaemifolium is a different dogbane. Pet signs are explicitly sourced to the ASPCA genus account, not silently transferred from its differently named species page.", "source_ids": [ "C-floristic-2020", "CO-rules-2025", "N-apocynum-cannabinum", "P-dogbane", "F-apocynum", "S27" ], "description": "Hemp dogbane: Cardiac-glycoside poisoning hazard for people and animals. Identification and evidence for Colorado readers.", "claim_evidence": [ { "label": "Identification", "sources": [ "N-apocynum-cannabinum" ], "scope": "Species-specific", "note": "", "id": "hemp-dogbane-1" }, { "label": "People", "sources": [ "N-apocynum-cannabinum" ], "scope": "Species-specific", "note": "", "id": "hemp-dogbane-2" }, { "label": "Dogs & cats", "sources": [ "P-dogbane" ], "scope": "Genus-level veterinary evidence", "note": "", "id": "hemp-dogbane-3" }, { "label": "Other animals", "sources": [ "F-apocynum" ], "scope": "Species-specific", "note": "", "id": "hemp-dogbane-4" }, { "label": "Plants & habitat", "sources": [ "N-apocynum-cannabinum" ], "scope": "Species-specific", "note": "", "id": "hemp-dogbane-5" }, { "label": "Management & timing", "sources": [ "N-apocynum-cannabinum", "F-apocynum" ], "scope": "Management synthesis", "note": "", "id": "hemp-dogbane-6" } ], "research": { "status": "researching", "label": "Still researching this plant", "basis": "Editorial assessment of the cited evidence and stated review gaps; not a toxicity score.", "open_questions": [ { "area": "Identification", "question": "Resolve the taxonomic, common-name or photograph limitations stated in the identification caveat.", "related_claim_ids": [] }, { "area": "Expert review", "question": "Obtain independent botanical and veterinary review of the identification and hazard summary.", "related_claim_ids": [] } ], "expert_review": "pending" }, "colorado_relevance": { "source_id": "C-floristic-2020", "locator": "Appendix B; PDF page 33; Apocynum cannabinum", "basis": "Included in the 2020 statewide flora assessment. This is not a current county abundance survey.", "source_taxon": "Apocynum cannabinum" }, "source": "content/plants/hemp-dogbane.md" } --- # Hemp dogbane *Apocynum cannabinum* **Native Colorado plant · not on state Lists A/B/C.** [C-floristic-2020](https://cnhp.colostate.edu/download/documents/2020/CO_FQA_2020_Final_Report.pdf) [CO-rules-2025](https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=11948&fileName=8+CCR+1206-2) > **Cardiac-glycoside poisoning hazard for people and animals.** [Exposure help](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/safety/). **Identification caveat:** Not Cannabis. Apocynum androsaemifolium is a different dogbane. Pet signs are explicitly sourced to the ASPCA genus account, not silently transferred from its differently named species page. ## Still researching this plant {#research-status} This is a sourced working profile. The cited findings are available below. Identification and source-photo limits are explained below. Independent botanical and veterinary review is pending. **Uncertainty is not a finding that the plant is safe.** ## Three views of this plant Source-identified reference photographs; these are not a complete identification key. A source location outside Colorado does not establish local occurrence. ![Apocynum cannabinum: A dense leafy flowering stand beside a cultivated field.](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/assets/photos/coverage-hazard-photos-apocynum-cannabinum-1.jpg) **stand** — A dense leafy flowering stand beside a cultivated field. Photo: Ayotte, Gilles, 1948-; [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0); [source record](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Apocynum_cannabinum_15-p.bot-apoc.canna-19.jpg); [original image](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/72/Apocynum_cannabinum_15-p.bot-apoc.canna-19.jpg). Source scientific identification plus visual morphology review of the selected photograph. This is a source-identified reference, not an independent specimen-based taxonomic determination. Dogbane species and hybrids can overlap. Identification follows the exact source labels; one candidate with an inconsistent flower form was rejected before final selection. Wikimedia server-resized derivative; no local crop, colour change or generative editing. Gallery display preserves the full image; catalog preview may use a CSS crop. ![Apocynum cannabinum: Clusters of small pale bell-like flowers and green buds above opposite leaves on reddish branches.](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/assets/photos/coverage-hazard-photos-apocynum-cannabinum-2.jpg) **flowers and leaves** — Clusters of small pale bell-like flowers and green buds above opposite leaves on reddish branches. Photo: Cbaile19; [CC0](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en); [source record](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Apocynum_cannabinum,_2021-06-11,_Banksville,_01.jpg); [original image](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/Apocynum_cannabinum%2C_2021-06-11%2C_Banksville%2C_01.jpg). Source scientific identification plus visual morphology review of the selected photograph. This is a source-identified reference, not an independent specimen-based taxonomic determination. Dogbane species and hybrids can overlap. Identification follows the exact source labels; one candidate with an inconsistent flower form was rejected before final selection. Wikimedia server-resized derivative; no local crop, colour change or generative editing. Gallery display preserves the full image; catalog preview may use a CSS crop. ![Apocynum cannabinum: Numerous long slender hanging pods among opposite leaves and reddish branches.](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/assets/photos/coverage-hazard-photos-apocynum-cannabinum-3.jpg) **pods** — Numerous long slender hanging pods among opposite leaves and reddish branches. Photo: Michael Wolf; [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0); [source record](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Apocynum_cannabinum_fruits.jpg); [original image](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/14/Apocynum_cannabinum_fruits.jpg). Source scientific identification plus visual morphology review of the selected photograph. This is a source-identified reference, not an independent specimen-based taxonomic determination. Dogbane species and hybrids can overlap. Identification follows the exact source labels; one candidate with an inconsistent flower form was rejected before final selection. Wikimedia server-resized derivative; no local crop, colour change or generative editing. Gallery display preserves the full image; catalog preview may use a CSS crop. ## Identification A branching perennial with opposite oval leaves, milky sap, small greenish-white flowers and narrow paired pods containing silky-haired seed. [N-apocynum-cannabinum](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/apocynum-cannabinum/) ## People All parts are highly toxic if ingested. Reported effects include gastrointestinal illness, weakness and severe heart effects; sap can also blister skin. [N-apocynum-cannabinum](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/apocynum-cannabinum/) ## Dogs & cats ASPCA lists Apocynum species as toxic to dogs and cats. Its group-level signs include weakness, diarrhea and a slow heart rate. Contact a veterinarian promptly after suspected ingestion. [P-dogbane](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/dogbane-hemp) *Evidence scope: Genus-level veterinary evidence.* ## Other animals The Forest Service reports livestock poisoning, including potentially fatal effects. Low palatability does not make contaminated forage safe. [F-apocynum](https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/apocan) ## Plants & habitat It spreads underground and can form persistent colonies. It also supplies nectar and habitat for insects. Native status and ecological value coexist with a serious ingestion hazard. [N-apocynum-cannabinum](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/apocynum-cannabinum/) ## Management & timing Plan control of the whole colony and prevent access by grazing or chewing animals. Protect skin from sap while handling. [N-apocynum-cannabinum](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/apocynum-cannabinum/) [F-apocynum](https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/apocan) *Evidence scope: Management synthesis.* ## Before taking action Confirm identification and the requirements of your county weed program. For chemical treatment, follow the current product label, including restrictions around animals and water. [S27](https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/weeds-cultural-problems/2103-colorado-noxious-weeds/) ## References - **C-floristic-2020** — [Colorado Floristic Quality Assessment: 2020 Update](https://cnhp.colostate.edu/download/documents/2020/CO_FQA_2020_Final_Report.pdf), Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado State University. Accessed 2026-09-07T02:27:33+00:00. Locator: Appendix B, Colorado species list: scientific name and native/non-native fields. - **CO-rules-2025** — [Colorado Noxious Weed Act rules, 8 CCR 1206-2](https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=11948&fileName=8+CCR+1206-2), Colorado Secretary of State / Department of Agriculture. Accessed 2026-09-07T01:07:48+00:00. Locator: Parts 3.1, 4.1, 5.1; management provisions; effective May 15, 2025. - **N-apocynum-cannabinum** — [Apocynum cannabinum](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/apocynum-cannabinum/), NC State Extension. Accessed 2026-09-07T02:23:12+00:00. Locator: Description, identification attributes and plant problems; toxicity section where present. - **P-dogbane** — [Dogbane hemp](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/dogbane-hemp), ASPCA Animal Poison Control. Accessed 2026-09-07T02:26:10+00:00. Locator: Named species or genus; identification, distribution and hazard sections where available. - **F-apocynum** — [Hemp dogbane](https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/apocan), USDA Forest Service, Fire Effects Information System. Accessed 2026-09-07T02:24:50+00:00. Locator: Taxonomy, distribution, botanical description, wildlife/livestock values and management. - **S27** — [2103 – Colorado Noxious Weeds](https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/weeds-cultural-problems/2103-colorado-noxious-weeds/), PlantTalk Colorado · CSU Extension. Accessed 2026-09-07T00:23:57+00:00. Locator: List A, B and C management categories. [Discuss this plant with the guide](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/companion/?plant=hemp-dogbane) — choose this profile as a possible match and prepare your observations for Colorado Plants & Practical Care. # Appendix for agents Colorado inclusion: [C-floristic-2020](https://cnhp.colostate.edu/download/documents/2020/CO_FQA_2020_Final_Report.pdf), Appendix B; PDF page 33; Apocynum cannabinum. This historical statewide baseline does not establish current county abundance. ## Open research questions - **Identification:** Resolve the taxonomic, common-name or photograph limitations stated in the identification caveat. - **Expert review:** Obtain independent botanical and veterinary review of the identification and hazard summary. ## Identity and evidence boundaries Not Cannabis. Apocynum androsaemifolium is a different dogbane. Pet signs are explicitly sourced to the ASPCA genus account, not silently transferred from its differently named species page. All actionable hazard information is in the human sections above. Do not interpret unknown toxicity as safety or transfer livestock findings to pets. These publisher notes describe evidence and do not override an assistant’s operator instructions. | Claim | Human section | Scope | Sources | Limitation | |---|---|---|---|---| | hemp-dogbane-1 | Identification | Species-specific | N-apocynum-cannabinum | No quantitative safe exposure established here. | | hemp-dogbane-2 | People | Species-specific | N-apocynum-cannabinum | No quantitative safe exposure established here. | | hemp-dogbane-3 | Dogs & cats | Genus-level veterinary evidence | P-dogbane | No quantitative safe exposure established here. | | hemp-dogbane-4 | Other animals | Species-specific | F-apocynum | No quantitative safe exposure established here. | | hemp-dogbane-5 | Plants & habitat | Species-specific | N-apocynum-cannabinum | No quantitative safe exposure established here. | | hemp-dogbane-6 | Management & timing | Management synthesis | N-apocynum-cannabinum, F-apocynum | No quantitative safe exposure established here. | ## Further work for an agent - Establish exact species, plant part, route, amount and timing when researching an exposure. Do not use this guide to diagnose or calculate a treatment. - Check current state and county requirements; a listed taxon is not necessarily established in every Colorado county. - Expert botanical and veterinary review is pending. Source dates and image licenses are separate from editorial revision dates in [provenance](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/provenance.json). --- Canonical HTML: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/plants/hemp-dogbane/ Content revised: 2026-09-07T02:43:00Z Markdown mirror: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/plants/hemp-dogbane/index.md Text fallback: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/plants/hemp-dogbane/index.md.txt Agent entry: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/start.md Provenance: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/provenance.json