Apocynum androsaemifolium
American flytrap
Bushy, branching perennial about 75cm tall, the spreading dogbane, native to North American wild areas. Opposite, oval, mid-green leaves and small clusters of fragrant, small, pink, bell-shaped flowers striped inside with darker pink, borne near the branch tips during summer are followed by seed pods containing silky-haired seeds
Other common names
American ipecacblack Indian hemp
see morebuckbrush
common dogbane
honeybloom
spreading dogbane
wandering milkweed
western wallflower
wild ipecac
American ipecacuanha
bitter root
catchfly
milkweed
rheumatism root
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- All parts of the plant are highly toxic if eaten and toxins may be absorbed through skin contact with the milky sap, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Widely distributed through North America where it can be invasive in some instances, Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or part shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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