Spreading dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium)

Gitxsan name:  leek
Wet'suwet'en name:  lekh

Botanical Description

• erect perennial with branched stems, 20-50 cm tall with milky sap
• simple, oval lance-shaped leaves that spread and droop
• small, pink bell-shaped flowers that have a sweet scent
• narrow, long pods (5-12 cm) with numerous seeds, each with a long tuft of cottony hairs                                                                                                                              

Photo courtesy of Jim Pojar (61kB)

Ethnobotanical Use

This plant was used as a source of fibre for making a 2-ply twine. The twine was used in fishing nets, animal traps, sewing, weaving baskets and attaching things together.

The Wet'suwet'en preferred to obtain fibre from the related hemp dogbane (A. Cannabinum) as the bush is larger and the fibres are longer and tougher. If the hemp dogbane was not available the spreading dogbane was often used as a substitute.

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This digital collection was produced under contract to the SchoolNet Digital Collection Program, Industry Canada.
Revised: 08/21/98