The Apocynaceae is a dazzling family of plants, known by the perhaps unfortunate name of the dogbane family. As this name might imply, the dogbane family is full of toxic plants, many producing cardiac glycosides that can maim and even kill. What is less well-known, however, is the amazing variety of medical and even edible uses found within the family.
The Apocynaceae have a long history of use as food, fiber, medicine, and wildlife plants. Though they are mostly tropical, we are blessed with several species native to our region (as well as a couple pernicious weeds).
The genuses native to our region are the following:
- Apocynum
- Asclepias
- Cycladenia
- Vinca (non-native)