Dogbane

[citation needed] Some modern sources note "dogbane" as strictly being the species known as 'Indian hemp', Apocynum,[3] though it is doubtful that such a narrow definition could be justified, even if it were enforceable.

Some poisonous or offensive plants in practically unrelated families had similar common names in the vernacular and writings of various times; for example an edition De Materia Medica, apparently of the early sixteenth century, mentions that species of Aconitum (family Ranunculaceae) were known as either "dog killer" (or murderer) or "wolf killer" ("...Sunt qui Cynoctonon: qui Lycoctonon...

[citation needed] The term "dogbane" (as well as "cat-scat")—either out of genuine confusion or as a deliberate sales ploy for gardeners desiring a natural animal repellent—has been used without obvious justification to several other groups of plants, such as some species of Plectranthus (ironically, a genus in the catnip subfamily Nepetoideae of the mint family Lamiaceae).

While none have been reported to be especially harmful, or even useful against nuisance animals, in the garden, many—such as Plectranthus (Coleus) caninus—have very fragrant, oily leaves which give an intensely pungent, skunk- or Cannabis-like aroma when brushed, disturbed or touched.

[6] Oftentimes, these plants are more effective at repelling humans from a given area, as the essential oils are strong, sticky, and exude a distinct aroma of marijuana or skunk-spray, which may linger for hours on the skin, gloves, clothing, or any other surface it contacts.