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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of dogbane

First recorded in 1590–1600; dog + bane

Compare meaning

How does dogbane compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• dogbane vs. milkweed

Example Sentences

The pink flowers of droopy-leaved spreading dogbane are one of many native attractors in the Dishman Hills.

From Washington Times • Jul. 24, 2016

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 • Mar. 27, 2015

The plant was formerly supposed to be poisonous to dogs, from which fact it received its generic name, which translated gives the common English name, "dogbane."

From The Wild Flowers of California: Their Names, Haunts, and Habits by Parsons, Mary Elizabeth

Milkweed and dogbane Open fields everywhere Brick-red color, veins black, borders of wings black Fritillaries or Silver Spots Variegated fritillary 1¾–2½ August Passion flower Low fields Orange-brown color, checkered with black, no silver spots.

From A Guide for the Study of Animals by Lucas, Frederic

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

From The Wild Flowers of California: Their Names, Haunts, and Habits by Parsons, Mary Elizabeth