Apocynum cannabinum
Hemp dogbane, Hemp Dogbane
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Apocynaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Apocynum cannabinum (Hemp dogbane) is a native California herb in the Apocynaceae family, recognized by key differences in stem structure and flower morphology.
Hemp dogbane is a California native perennial found in moist areas throughout much of California, including near streams, springs, and occasionally in orchards at elevations of 150 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from April to October, this plant produces small white to pale pink flowers in delicate clusters. Growing with stout, nearly stiff-erect stems that branch near the top and reach 30 to 90 centimeters tall, it has a distinctive upright habit. Its leaves are elongated, 5 to 8 centimeters long, with bases that taper or clasp the stem and tips ranging from obtuse to acute. The plant produces long, slender seed pods approximately 6 to 9 centimeters in length that hang pendulously from the branches.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; key differences in stem structure and flower morphology
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist places, near streams, springs, or as weed in orchards
Elevation: 150-2000 m
California counties: Mendocino, San Diego, Inyo, San Bernardino, Fresno, Kern, San Luis Obispo, Tuolumne, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Imperial, Siskiyou, Riverside, Mono, Ventura, Orange, Sonoma, Solano, Lake, Tulare, Butte, Colusa, Plumas, Placer, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Madera, Mariposa, Sacramento, Modoc, Alpine, Contra Costa, Kings, Shasta, Yuba, Sutter, Trinity, Tehama, Lassen, Glenn, Napa, Amador, Nevada, Humboldt, Santa Clara, El Dorado, Sierra, Monterey, San Benito, Yolo, Alameda
Outside California: to British Columbia, eastern North America
Bloom period
Apocynum cannabinum blooms Apr-Oct.
How to tell it apart
vs Symphoricarpos: Apocynum has milky sap and five-petaled bell flowers; Symphoricarpos has clear sap and white berry-like fruits.; vs Asclepias: Apocynum has tiny bell flowers in branched sprays; Asclepias has large showy flowers with reflexed petals and raised hoods.; vs Frangula: Apocynum is an herb with opposite leaves and milky sap; Frangula is a woody shrub with alternate leaves.; vs Heteromeles: Apocynum has opposite simple leaves and milky sap; Heteromeles has alternate toothed leaves and woody stems.; vs Eucalyptus: Apocynum is a small herb with bell flowers; Eucalyptus is a tree with distinctive cap-like flower buds.
Frequently asked questions
Is Apocynum cannabinum native to California?
Yes. Apocynum cannabinum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Apocynum cannabinum bloom?
Apocynum cannabinum blooms Apr-Oct.
Where in California does Apocynum cannabinum grow?
Apocynum cannabinum occurs in Mendocino, San Diego, Inyo, San Bernardino, Fresno, Kern, San Luis Obispo, Tuolumne and other counties, at elevations of 150-2000 m.
What plant family does Apocynum cannabinum belong to?
Apocynum cannabinum is in the Apocynaceae family, genus Apocynum.
What habitat does Apocynum cannabinum grow in?
Apocynum cannabinum grows in Moist places, near streams, springs, or as weed in orchards.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.