This week: Hemp dogbane—weed or wildflower?
Hello!
This weekend I explored Churchill Valley Greenway, a former golf course located outside of Pittsburgh. It was abandoned over a decade ago and was recently acquired by Allegheny Land Trust for a protected green space. It is in the process of naturalizing into a meadow filled with native plants, insects, and wildlife. While it is the “brown” season for plants, there was still plenty of nature to identify, from red-winged blackbirds to goldenrod plants.
In my case, it was the perfect time to mis-identify native hemp dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) as “some kind of milkweed” based on the fluffy, silky parachute seeds spilling out of its pods. I was genetically correct—both belong to the Apocynaceae family—but that’s as much credit as I can take. In the fall and winter, dogbane can be easily identified by its 4-8 inch long, skinny seed pods. Milkweed plants have shorter, chubbier seed pods. Both have parachute seeds that enable them to be carried quite far by the wind and both also spread by rhizome.
The stems of hemp dogbane were used by Native Americans to make rope and thread. It’s also a powerhouse pollinator plant for beneficial insects and is a host plant for moths and butterflies. Despite these advantages, hemp dogbane is not recommended for home gardens because it can be extremely aggressive. In a naturalized meadow, though, it really shines even in the winter due to its striking seed pods.
Elsewhere:
Keep the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations going by learning all about Shamrock houseplants in this article by Penn State Extension. I learned that they go dormant for a month or two every winter, which explains why I think I’ve killed mine only to have it grow back!
Have a great week,
Julie