NativeTech: Native American Technology and Art
Indigenous Plants & Native Uses in the Northeast

DOGBANE DOGBANE
(Apocynum cannabinum)
DOGBANE

DOGBANE

Food: Although a relative of milkweed, dogbane is much more toxic.

Medicine: The roots are used for heart stimulants. Mashed leaves are used for rheumatism and applied to wounds. A charm is made with the plant to be used against 'bad medicine' or evil influence.

Technology: The inner bark is stripped from the fresh plant and the resulting fibers can be twisted into two-ply string, strong fishing line or bow strings, or used to weave baskets and mats.

Note: Also called Indian Hemp or Hemp Dogbane. For additional information browse NativeTech's Plants used for Cordage.


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