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Spreading Dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium)

Perennial
View Images of Spreading Dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium)
Common Name Latin Name Plant Family
Spreading Dogbane
Apocynum androsaemifolium
Apocynaceae

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].

  • Medicinal Use

    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].

  • Edible Use

    None known

  • Cautionary Notes

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

Cultivation & Habitat

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].
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].
Northern N. America.

Become ungovernable, break the chains of the matrix; grow and forage your own food and medicine.

*None of the information on this website qualifies as professional medical advice. Take only what resonates with your heart and use your own personal responsibility for what’s best for you. For more information [brackets] [000], see bibliography.

As with ALL things; Take only what resonates with your heart and higher self, and leave the rest behind.

Repository of Divination tools, News, Elements, Spells, Rituals, Clearings, Entities, Ascension; Kitty is a magpie at heart, gathering information trinkets from everywhere and sharing them here in hopes that some might shine a light on your journey in this Incarnation. Please only take what resonates with your heart and leave the rest behind. Tionscadal Mo Chroi (Project of my heart) Lovingly curated by Kitty, bean draío leabharlannaí (Librarian Witch)

  • For any question, you can cast a handful or bag of Runes and read the meaning of the runes that land face up only.
  • You may cast them into a circle (drawn with chalk or as a pattern on a cloth). Read the runes that land inside the circle AND face up.
  • If The Eye (Witches Rune) or Tiwaz (Elder Futhark) appears amongst the runes when cast, pay extra attention to where the eye is looking or Tiwaz is pointing.
  • Pro Tip: You can also use runes just as you would the Tarot, with ANY tarot spread. Simply pull one at a time from your bag to fill the layout.

*while Witches’ and Elder Futhark are different sets of runes, (just as English and Gaelic are different languages) I use mine together;  my rune casts are “bilingual”. I have made the same choice in my online rune layouts. Alainn Tarot interactive includes both sets at the same time. 

These are plants that grow in my own yard or elements that I keep in stock personally, gathered in a single category for my own quick navigation.