Spreading Dogbane
Herbaceous perennial growing 60-150 cm tall with opposite, oval leaves. Produces small, pink to white bell-shaped flowers from early to mid-summer. Prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. Drought-tolerant once established. Attracts butterflies and other pollinators. All parts contain toxic cardiac glycosides. Used historically for fiber and medicine. Suitable for meadows, woodland edges, and naturalized areas. Spreads by both seeds and rhizomes, can be aggressive in ideal conditions.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: Pink to White
Bloom Time: Early to Mid-Summer
Sun Requirements: Sun to Part-Shade
Moisture: Dry to Moist-Drained
Phenology: Stems emerge in May. Leaves fully developed by early June. Blooming occurs late June through August. Paired pods develop in August, ripening and releasing silky-tufted seeds September-October. Dead stems persist through winter.
Wildlife Value: Important nectar source for butterflies and native bees; seeds with silky comas used by birds for nesting material; toxic to mammals
Habit Over Time: Forms upright stems that emerge individually from spreading rhizomes. While it can spread extensively in optimal conditions, the open growth pattern allows other plants to grow between stems. Best used where its spreading nature can be contained.
Height: Medium (2-4 feet)