Spreading Dogbane
Apocynum androsaemifolium
Also listed as Apocynum ambigens, Apocynum pumilum
Also known as Bitter Dogbane, Fly-trap Dogbane, Dogsbane
Climate Match for your location
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A native North American perennial with small pink and white bell-shaped flowers and spreading habit. Often considered a weedy plant due to its aggressive spread via rhizomes.
Why grow it
Spreading dogbane offers a reliable native nectar source for pollinators in poor, dry soils where many ornamentals struggle. It requires minimal maintenance once established and tolerates compacted or sandy conditions better than most comparable native perennials. Where soil conditions limit options, it provides ground coverage and wildlife value without fertilizer or supplemental water.
Watch out for
This plant spreads vigorously in loose soils and can outcompete desirable neighbors if not contained or monitored. In small garden spaces, consider physical barriers or frequent monitoring to prevent it from overwhelming adjacent plantings. It may take a season or two to establish a sustainable coexistence pattern with surrounding vegetation.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apocynaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
North America
Native to: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A native North American perennial with small pink and white bell-shaped flowers and spreading habit. Often considered a weedy plant due to its aggressive spread via rhizomes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Spreading Dogbane grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Spreading dogbane offers a reliable native nectar source for pollinators in poor, dry soils where many ornamentals struggle. It requires minimal maintenance once established and tolerates compacted or sandy conditions better than most comparable native perennials. Where soil conditions limit options, it provides ground coverage and wildlife value without fertilizer or supplemental water.
Watch out for
This plant spreads vigorously in loose soils and can outcompete desirable neighbors if not contained or monitored. In small garden spaces, consider physical barriers or frequent monitoring to prevent it from overwhelming adjacent plantings. It may take a season or two to establish a sustainable coexistence pattern with surrounding vegetation.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apocynaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
North America
Native to: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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