Apocynum androsaemifolium

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Plantae

• (unranked): Angiosperms
• (unranked): Eudicots
• (unranked): Asterids
• Order: Gentianales
• Family: Apocynaceae
• Genus: Apocynum
• Species: A. androsaemifolium

Plant Description

A 2-5 ft. widely branching, bushy, perennial with opposite, oval leaves and small groups of tiny, pink, bell-shaped flowers near the branch tips. The flowers’ fragrance is reminiscent of lilac. Numerous small pink, nodding, bell-like flowers, fragrant and striped inside with deeper pink. Milky juice exudes from broken stems and leaves. These plants are relatives of the milkweeds. Indian Hemp (A. cannabinum), a slightly smaller species with erect clusters of greenish-white flowers, is also found in fields and is poisonous. Clasping-leaved Dogbane (A. sibiricum), found widely throughout the Northeast in sandy or gravelly habitats such as stream banks, has stalk-less or nearly stalk-less leaves.

Seed

Abbreviation: APAN

Seed sample from: 2009

Average Measurement: 1.8 x 0.4 x 0.2

Measurement Range: L: 1.2 – 2.1, W: 0.2 – 0.5, D: 0.1 – 0.3

Features

Shape: Narrow at hilum end, and opposite apex. Seed somewhat flattened.

Color: Hilum white against brown seed body.

Surface: Longitudinally ribbed with small glossy globules. Seed lustrous.

Latitudinal Cross Section: elliptical

Longitudinal Cross Section: elliptical