Dogbane, Netting hemp
Apocynum venetum

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A erect herb. It has milky sap. It grows 1-2 m high. It has rhizomes or underground stems that are pink. The branches are purple-red. The leaves are opposite. They are narrowly sword shaped and 1-5 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. The flowers are pink or purple. They are in clusters at the ends of branches. The fruit are 2 long follicles 8-15 cm long and 2-3 mm wide. There are many seeds.

It is also used in medicine.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In China it grows in lowlands near lakes. It grows in wetlands. In north China is grows in salty barren areas and on the edges of deserts.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Tibet

How it is used for food

The leafy shoots are gathered and steamed and dried then used for tea.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bargasun chai

Synonyms

Apocynum lancifolium Russanov; Trachomitum lancifolium (Russanov) Pobed.; Trachomitum venetum (L.) Woodson; and others