Hemp Dogbane
Apocynum cannabinum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Hemp Dogbane is a native perennial forb found across most of the United States, producing small white flowers from June through August that attract bees, butterflies, and moths.
Hemp Dogbane is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Hemp Dogbane is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a severe level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–60" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Indian-hemp is a tall native perennial that produces clusters of small white or greenish flowers during summer months. This upright plant spreads moderately and goes dormant in winter, losing its leaves completely.
Growing Hemp Dogbane
Grow Hemp Dogbane in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hemp Dogbane takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Name contains 'hemp' which may cause neighbor concerns
- Can look weedy and unkempt in dormant season
- Tall informal growth habit lacks structured appearance
Wildlife value
Excellent pollinator plant that attracts bees, butterflies, and moths with its summer blooms. The flowers provide nectar for a variety of beneficial insects.
Common questions
- When does Hemp Dogbane bloom?
- Hemp Dogbane blooms from June through August, producing clusters of small white to pinkish flowers.
- What pollinators visit Hemp Dogbane?
- Hemp Dogbane attracts various pollinators including bees, butterflies, and moths with its fragrant summer flowers.
- Where is Hemp Dogbane native?
- Hemp Dogbane is native to most of the continental United States, from coast to coast and from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
- What growing conditions does Hemp Dogbane prefer?
- Hemp Dogbane tolerates a wide range of conditions but typically grows best in full sun to partial sun with medium moisture levels.
- Is Hemp Dogbane toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Hemp Dogbane is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Hemp Dogbane toxic to cats?
- Yes. Hemp Dogbane is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Hemp Dogbane toxic to livestock?
- Hemp Dogbane is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (severe severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- Is Hemp Dogbane HOA-friendly?
- Hemp Dogbane takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Hemp Dogbane and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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