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Herbaceous Perennial

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 ipecac
black 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 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H6
Botanical 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

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