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Is this an invasive? #873198

Asked June 15, 2024, 9:07 AM EDT

Hello. Could you help me identify the red stemmed plant with pointy oval leaves in the attached picture? It has appeared in our meadow and is spreading. Is it an invasive?

Rutland County Vermont

Expert Response

Hello Richard,

It appears to be Spreading Dogbane. It spreads through underground rhizomes and is often considered a fast spreading groundcover type of plant.  It is not an invasive but it does spread and take over, and quickly.  It is a toxic plant to humans, dogs, livestock, and other animals.  It is a native to North America and is an important food source for many insects, especially Monarch butterflies.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/apocynum_androsaemifolium.shtml

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/apocynum-androsaemifolium/

I hope this helps!

Thank you for reaching out and let us know if you have any further questions.

Best to you,

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