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dogbane

American  
[dawg-beyn, dog-] / ˈdɔgˌbeɪn, ˈdɒg- /

noun

  1. any of several plants of the genus Apocynum, especially A. androsaemifolium, yielding an acrid milky juice and having an intensely bitter root.


dogbane British  
/ ˈdɒɡˌbeɪn /

noun

  1. any of several North American apocynaceous plants of the genus Apocynum, esp A. androsaemifolium, having bell-shaped white or pink flowers: thought to be poisonous to dogs

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of dogbane

First recorded in 1590–1600; dog + bane

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On the left, the shadier side of the garden offers currants, ferns and dogbane normally found in the High Sierras.

From Los Angeles Times

Mojave yucca, aloe, jade, agave and ice plant predominate on the garden's hotter southwest side; black walnut, geranium, dogbane, and oaks prevail on the cooler north side.

From Los Angeles Times

For example, observe the matching colors among the bugs and butterflies that feed on the common milkweed and its relative dogbane.

From Science Magazine

The small pink flowers of the spreading dogbane may be found all through the summer, often upon our driest hillsides.

From Project Gutenberg

Vinca, ving′ka, n. a genus of woody herbaceous plants of the dogbane family, the periwinkles.

From Project Gutenberg