Apocynaceae, the dogbane family.
Description:
Plant:
Erect, red-stemmed, branching plant, 2'-5' tall, with opposite leaves and
clusters of white to greenish flowers. Broken stems exude milky juice. Perennial.
Flowers:
White, 1/8"-1/4", with five-lobed corolla and five sepals.
Interior of flower contains a raised, five-lobed structure typical of milkweed relatives.
Flowers in a rounded [[cymose]] cluster.
Leaves:
Opposite, entire, ovate to lanceolate, 2"-4", often with reddish or pinkish veins
continuing from the red stems of the plant. Veins exude a milky juice when broken.
Fruit:
Elongated pods, 3"-6" long, often in pairs, opening to release seeds with long, silky hairs.
Blooming:
June-August
Habitat:
Thickets, wood borders, open areas.
Comments:
A relative of the milkweeds, this native plant is also known as Hemp Dogbane.
All parts of the plant contain a cardiac poison, and the milky sap can be irritating
to the skin.
The stems contain strong fibers that can be extracted and made into cordage; this use
is the source of the common name.
Where to find it:
There is a large patch to the east of the pond beyond the trail.