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 ipecacblack Indian hemp
see morebuckbrush
common dogbane
honeybloom
spreading dogbane
wandering milkweed
western wallflower
wild ipecac
American ipecacuanha
bitter root
catchfly
milkweed
rheumatism root
![](https://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselectorimages/detail/vaem04673.jpg)
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
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
H6Botanical 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
Get involved
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