Apocynum venetum, commonly known as sword-leaf dogbane, is a plant species in the dogbane family that is poisonous but used as a source of fiber, medicine, and nectar for production of honey.
Distribution and habitat Apocynum venetum is considered to be native to a wide range in northern Asia and Southeast Europe: Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Ex-Yugoslavia, Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, Iraq, Cyprus, Iran, Central Asia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Siberia, China, and Japan. It grows in swamps, wet places, and maritime sands.
Uses Apocynum venetum is a valuable bast fibre, compared favorably to silk, ramie, cashmere, and cotton. Apocynum venetum leaves have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of hypertension.
Subspecies
Subspecies include: Apocynum venetum subsp. armenum (Pobed.) ined. – Turkey, Iran, Caucasus Apocynum venetum subsp. basikurumon (H.Hara) ined. – Japan Apocynum venetum subsp. lancifolium (Russanov) ined. – Siberia, China (including Tibet + Xinjiang), Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan Apocynum venetum subsp. russanovii (Pobed.) ined. – Ostriv Dzharylhach Peninsula in Ukraine Apocynum venetum subsp. sarmatiense (Woodson) ined. – Bulgaria, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Caucasus Apocynum venetum subsp. scabrum (Russanov) ined. – Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan Apocynum venetum subsp. tauricum (Pobed.) ined. – Cape St. Ilya in Crimea Apocynum venetum subsp. venetum – Italy
References
External links ITIS Standard Report for Apocynum cannabinum Jepson Manual Treatment of Apocynum cannabinum — invasive plant species in California.