Family:  Dogbane (Apocynaceae)

Hardy to Zones 4 to 8

(Dogbane) Herbaceous perennial native to continental US.  The plant is a good source of nectar for butterflies and bees.  Attracts beneficial insects. The stem is an excellent source of easy-to-make string.  The plants grow to about 5 feet tall, quite thin and upright, and the bark can readily be stripped off to form cordage as-is, or can be rolled or braided into rope.  The photo shows a bunch of the seed pods that have been tied together in the field with string made of the plant.  The eclectic physicians used Indian Hemp cordage to make tooth pulling lassos. Traditional usage (Eclectic): cardiac stimulant.  Low dose botanical, potentially toxic, containing cardioactive glycosides.  Plant prefers shade to sun and is often found in abandoned agricultural land or the cracks between streamside cobbles.  Sow in spring, just beneath surface, tamp well and keep moist until germ.  This is a tough plant and is a long survivor on the landscape.
Packet contains 30 seeds
1 g contains ~760 seeds
Certified Organically Grown