Scientific Family
Apocynaceae
Synonyms
Apocynum sibiricum, Apocynum hypericifolium, Apocynum suksdorfii, Apocynum pubescens,
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
To 5 feet
Riparian
Yes
Stems are erect or ascending. Stem interior has a milky juice and long silky fibers that have been used to make string and rope. Has an extensive root system. The small, inconspicuous flowers and weedy growth form doesn't have horticultural appeal.
Corolla pink or with pink stripes, 4 to 5 mm (less than 1/5 inch) long or more with the lobes spreading. Leaves of the main stem distinctly petioled, narrow at the base.
Habitat
Clearings and borders of woodlands. Proliferates in moist places near riparian areas along streams, springs, levees, roadsides, and waste places.
Plant Community
Riparian
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
5000
High elevation
7500
Flower Characteristics
Flowers are small and inconspicuous with 5 pointed lobes and a cylindrical shape 3/16 inch long by 3/16 inch wide. Flowers appear as upright terminal clusters.
Flower color
White to pale pink
Flower shape
Inconspicuous
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves are 2 to 3 inches long. Leaves on main stem are petioled while those on the branches do not have stems. Leaves are lance-ovate.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Light green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Pods are cylindrical to 6 inches long.
Fruit type
Pod
When the fruit matures and splits open, the seeds are wind dispersed with long tuffs of sliky hairs. Seeds are slightly larger than 1/8 inch long.