Spreading Dogbane

The odd thing about this plant is that I have only seen it growing in ditches along country roads. I noticed some last year, and remember thinking, "this plant seems out of place here..." So recently, I spotted two more clusters of it, both along roads south of Hillsboro. It must be incredibly hardy and adaptable because these spots are dry, rocky, and trash ridden! (08-07-2013)

In any event, Spreading Dogbane (Apocynum androsaemfolium) is found throughout the U.S. in dry areas, blooming in summer (in the Northwest). I believe it's the first member of the Apocynaceae (Dogbane) family in my journal thus far! Many species in this family are tall trees found in tropical rain forests, but some grow in tropical dry (xeric) environments. They are also perennial herbs from temperate zones, such as our native Spreading Dogbane. 

The flowers are an attractive pink, fairy bell shaped, almost ornamental blossom. When broken, the stems secrete a milky latex liquid that is poisonous, so don't be pickin' these for your sweetie! The stems are also very fibrous and Native Americans pulled out the threads to make twine or cord. Another common name for this plant is Indian Hemp. There was one other reference to the plant being used to treat venereal disease, although specifics were not given!