How to Spot Dogbane

If you are going to be spending any time outside studying plants,the ability to spot common poisonous plants such as Dogbane is a good skill to have. Dogbane, also known as Indian Hemp in North America, is a common poisonous plant that can have drastic negative effects on those who consume it. Here's how to spot this poisonous plant.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Know where to look for Dogbane. You'll find it in most of the northern half of the world. The most common form of Dogbane (Indian Hemp) in North America grows throughout the United States and in the southern half of Canada. Dogbane plants grow in open areas, along streams and along ditches in moist areas.
2. Observe the purple to red stems of the Dogbane plant. They are also branched with no fuzz and a shiny tinge to them. The Dogbane plants also have a white, milky sap in the stems.
3. Take note of the appearance of the leaves of a Dogbane plant. The hairless leaves are between 7 and 15 cm in length and 3 to 5 cm in width.
4. Pay attention to the branches of the Dogbane plant. They are fairly thick, but they thin out near the leaves on the top of the plant. Small white-green clustered flowers appear on the ends of the branches in the summer months.
5. Look at the seeds and seedpods of the Dogbane plant. The seeds are in pods that are between 20 and 25 cm in length. The seedpods are very narrow as well. Each seed also has a small tuft of white hair on it as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't confuse Milkweed with Dogbane. Milkweed plants have larger leaves and thicker stems than Dogbane plants. Milkweed plants also have fuzzy green stems and are shorter than Dogbane plants. Milkweed is not poisonous, whereas Dogbane is.
• The scientific name for the most common form of Dogbane in North America is Apocynum cannabinum.
• Never eat Dogbane. It can be highly poisonous to both humans and animals.
• Get medical attention right away if you suspect that you or your pet has eaten Dogbane. Immediate medical attention is crucial.