Indian Hemp
Apocynum cannabinum
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Pl. A7A8 — Apocynum cannabinum
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IOverview
Overview
Indian Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum) is a perennial forb found in the eastern and western United States as well as parts of Canada. Native to Alabama, Alberta, Arizona, Arkansas, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, it thrives in moist, light to medium soil types and prefers full sun to partial shade. This plant grows up to 0.6 meters tall and is known for its edible seeds, which can be consumed after proper preparation. Its adaptability to various habitats makes Indian Hemp a notable presence in both wild and cultivated settings. One distinctive feature of this plant is its light requirement; it can tolerate full sun as well as partial shade, making it adaptable to different environmental conditions.
Quick answers
What is Indian Hemp?
Indian Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum) is a perennial forb found in the eastern and western United States as well as parts of Canada. Native to Alabama, Alberta, Arizona, Arkansas, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, it thrives in moist, light to medium soil types and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Indian Hemp thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 0.6 meters tall as a perennial forb/herb. For best results, maintain soil pH between 4.5 and 7. Propagate through seed for new plants.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
4.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Indian Hemp for the first time
8steps
Start with Indian Hemp as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, gardening gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to partial shade. Ensure soil is moist, well-draining, and has a pH between 4.5-7.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start seedlings indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells, especially in full sun. Prune as needed to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged parts.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune Indian Hemp after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Gum
Other uses:FiberGumtextiles
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:South Carolina, Alabama, Alberta, Arizona, Arkansas, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Brunswick, New Mexico, New York
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · a7a862c6-85a5-44f3-bba8-baf96b930c56
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