Spreading Dogbane
Apocynum androsaemifolium
Last reviewed: July 2026
Spreading 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.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 40 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Bitter-root is a perennial that produces small, fragrant pink and white bell-shaped flowers from June through August. This low-maintenance plant grows 1-3 feet tall with a neat, upright habit and attractive oval leaves that turn yellow in fall.
In an HOA neighborhood
Spreading Dogbane is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, foundation.
- Can spread by underground rhizomes
- May look sparse in early spring
Wildlife value
The fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles throughout the summer months. Seeds provide food for birds and small wildlife in late summer and fall.
Common questions
- How much sun does Spreading Dogbane need?
- Spreading Dogbane grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Spreading Dogbane bloom?
- Spreading Dogbane blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Spreading Dogbane native?
- Spreading Dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 40 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Spreading Dogbane toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Spreading 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 Spreading Dogbane toxic to cats?
- Yes. Spreading 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.
- What pollinators does Spreading Dogbane attract?
- Spreading Dogbane draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Spreading Dogbane HOA-friendly?
- Spreading Dogbane is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
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