Bitter-root (Apocynum androsaemifolium, Sp. Pl.: 213 (1753))

Family: Apocynaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 213 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Apocynum

Vegetable: False

Observations: N. America

Description

Bitter-root, scientifically known as Apocynum androsaemifolium, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It was first described in 1753 by the author Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” on page 213. This hardy species is native to North America, where it thrives in diverse habitats ranging from woodlands to grasslands.

The Bitter-root is notable for its robust and fibrous root system, which historically has been utilized by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes. The plant typically features slender, upright stems that can reach up to 1 meter in height. Its leaves are usually oval-shaped and present in pairs along the stem, a characteristic feature of the Apocynaceae family.

During the blooming season, the Bitter-root produces small, bell-shaped flowers that exhibit a gentle, pinkish hue. These blossoms emit a subtle, sweet fragrance that attracts various pollinators, thereby facilitating the plant’s reproductive cycle.

In addition to its medicinal applications, the Bitter-root is also known for its role in traditional crafts. The strong fibers extracted from its roots and stems have been used in the making of items such as cords and nets.

However, it is important to exercise caution with Apocynum androsaemifolium, as all parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides, which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. This attribute underscores the need for careful identification and application when using the plant for any practical purposes.

In summary, the Bitter-root is a plant of considerable interest, admired not only for its ecological roles and medicinal properties but also for its cultural significance among indigenous populations in North America.

Common Names

Eng: bitter-root, bitterroot, common dogbane, flytrap dogbane, spreading dogbane, creeping dogbane
Dan: bredbladet hundedød
Deu: gewöhnliches hundsgift
Swe: hundkål, flugkål
Fra: apocyn à feuilles d’androsème, herbe à la puce
En: Bitter-root, Spreading dogbane, Common dogbane, Dogsbane, Honey-Bloom, Flytrap dogbane, Bitterroot, Creeping dogbane
Az: Dəlikçiçəkyarpaq kəndir
Da: Bredbladet hundedød
Fr: Apocyne à feuilles d’androsème, Apocyn à feuilles d’androsème, Herbe à la puce
De: Gewöhnliches Hundsgift
Sv: Hundkål, Flugkål

Synonyms

• Cynopaema androsaemifolium ((L.) Lunell)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 28, 2020 by Sophie Sophie Boivin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2021 by Jordan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2017 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2017 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2017 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Lyndon Cousins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2021 by Tasha Tchek (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2021 by Aidan Findlater (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 16, 2020 by destiny isbister (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Marie-Gabrielle Pelletier (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 29, 2019 by Jordyn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2019 by marie joey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2009 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2021 by A. Padron (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2020 by Lou LaFleur (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 12, 2021 by Rochelle Fjeldstrom (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Renee Will (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2021 by Pl@ntNet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2021 by Pl@ntNet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2020 by Kim Neskar (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Royal Icing (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2019 by henkie (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2013 by EOL − evening (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 9, 2019 by Lucier Louis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2020 by Joseph Moulaison (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3169816)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:16503-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Apocynum androsaemifolium L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth