Dogbane

Apocynum cannabinum in flower

Description

Dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum), also commonly known as "Indian hemp,' is a deciduous perennial herbaceous plant that grows throughout much of North America - in the southern half of Canada and throughout the United States. Bast fibers derived from the plant's inner bark have been used for fibers and cordage throughout North America. Dogbane is part of the Apocynaceae or dogbane family, which is shared with milkweeds, and is not related to true hemp despite one of its common names.

All parts of the plant are poisonous and can cause cardiac arrest if ingested. Indian hemp fibers range from 1-2 meters long and are yellow to brown to gray in color. They have a high cellulose content with little lignin. Dogbane is lustrous, strong, and durable with good resistance to water, salts, light, and insects. Hemp is used for cordage, fishing lines, sailcloth, canvas, and burlap. Dogbane is also used for nets, snares and basketry.

• For identification of dogbane fibers , see http://cameo.mfa.org/wiki/Category:FRIL:_Plant_Fibers

Including:

• Blue dogbane (Amsonia tabernaemontana)
• Intermediate dognbane (Apocynum floribundum)
• Spreading dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium)

Synonyms and Related Terms

Apocynum cannbinum L; Indian hemp; amy root; hemp dogbane; prairie dogbane; rheumatism root; or wild cotton; cáñamo indio (Esp.) ; hennep (Ned);

Other Properties

Resistant to water and alkalis. Damage by weak acids and bleaches.

Fiber length = 1-2 m. Fibers have a smooth cell wall with horizontal striations that are often packed close together.

Hazards and Safety

Combustible, may ignite spontaneously when wet.

Fiber Identification

IH-019-06-24-09-BF-400X-PM-3-9

Source bast Accession Number 6/18/91-AE.7.5.1-4.1.2.-3.6/24/91 (o) #2 Title Indian hemp, water boil stem, peel fiber Processing treatment boil in water Image Identification information IH-019-06-24-09-BF-400X-PM-3-9 Image capture digital Microscope Zeiss Axioplan Mounting agent and RI RI: permount 1.515 Microscopic technique Brightfield Lumen type narrow lumen diameter relative to fiber diameter Dislocations few dislocations Fiber size medium fiber diameter, narrow fiber diameter Surface folds surface folds present

IH-020-06-24-09-DF-400X-PM-3-9

Source bast Accession Number 6/18/91-AE.7.5.1-4.1.2.-3.6/24/91 (o) #2 Title Indian hemp, water boil stem, peel fiber Processing treatment boil in water Image Identification information IH-020-06-24-09-DF-400X-PM-3-9 Image capture digital Date of image capture 06/24/09 Microscopist l. Crawford Date of image capture 06/24/09 Microscopist l. Crawford Microscope Zeiss Axioplan Mounting agent and RI RI: permount 1.515 Microscopic technique Darkfield Lumen type narrow lumen diameter relative to fiber diameter Dislocations few dislocations Fiber size medium fiber diameter, narrow fiber diameter Surface folds surface folds present

Additional Information

• T.Collings, D. Miller, 'The Identification of Oriental Paper Fibers' The Paper Conservator, vol 3, 1978.