Apocynum, commonly known as dogbane[2] or Indian hemp,[2] is a small genus of the flowering plant family Apocynaceae.

Its name comes from Ancient Greek ἀπόκυνον apókunon, from ἀπο- apo- "away" and κύων kúōn "dog",[3] referring to dogbane (Cionura erecta),[4] which was used to poison dogs.

[5] The genus is native to North America, temperate Asia, and southeastern Europe.

Apocynum venetum (Chinese: 羅布麻) is used as an herbal tea in China.

[8] Dogbane contains cymarin, a cardiotonic agent formerly used to treat cardiac arrhythmia in humans.