Apocynum, commonly known as dogbane or Indian hemp, from apo- "away" and kyōn "dog", referring to dogbane (Cionura erecta), which was used to poison dogs. The genus is native to North America, temperate Asia, and southeastern Europe.
Apocynum species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including the queen butterfly and the mouse moth.
Uses
Apocynum cannabinum is used as a source of fiber by Native Americans. Apocynum venetum () is used as an herbal tea in China. Dogbane contains cymarin, a cardiotonic agent formerly used to treat cardiac arrhythmia in humans.
Species
Almost 300 names have been proposed in the genus for species, subspecies, and forms.