Apocynum, commonly known as dogbane[1] or Indian hemp, is a small genus of the flowering plant family Apocynaceae. Its name comes from Ancient Greek, from "away" and "dog",[2] referring to dogbane (Cionura erecta), which was used to poison dogs. The genus is native to North America, temperate Asia, and southeastern Europe.
Apocynum species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including the mouse moth and the queen butterfly.
Apocynum cannabinum is used as a source of fiber by Native Americans. Apocynum venetum is used as an herbal tea in China.[3] Dogbane contains cymarin, a cardiotonic agent formerly used to treat cardiac arrhythmia in humans.[4]
Almost 300 names have been proposed in the genus for species, subspecies, and forms., only the following five species and hybrids are currently recognized, with several subspecies and varieties accepted for A. androsaemifolium and A. venetum (see their respective species pages).