The common name, dogbane, refers to the plant's toxic nature, which has been described as "poisonous to dogs," but it is poisonous to animals and humans alike. Apocynum means "away, dog" and cannabinum means "like hemp," in reference to the strong cordage that was made by weaving together the stem's long fibers.

What is the meaning of dogbane?

Dogbane, dog-bane, dog's bane, and other variations, some of them regional and some transient, are names for certain plants that are reputed to kill or repel dogs; "bane" originally meant "slayer", and was later applied to plants to indicate that they were poisonous to particular creatures.

Is dogbane poisonous to dogs?

Toxicity to pets

Dogbane, also called Indian hemp and Bitter Root, is a bitter tasting plant. All parts of the plant are considered toxic.