Indian Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum)

Family: Apocynaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

A perennial herbaceous plant with some edible, medicinal and other uses. A very good quality fibre obtained from the bark is used for making clothes, twine, bags, linen, and paper. Indian hemp is an unpleasantly bitter stimulant irritant herb that acts on the heart, respiratory and urinary systems, and also on the uterus.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - raw or cooked. It can be ground into a powder and used as a meal. A latex obtained from the plant is used as a chewing gum. After the latex has been squeezed from the plant it s allowed to stand overnight to harden into a white gum. — Seed - raw or cooked.; It can be ground into a powder and used as a meal.; A latex obtained from the plant is used as a chewing gum.; After the latex has been squeezed from the plant it s allowed to stand overnight to harden into a white gum.

Habitat & North American Range

Gravelly or sandy soil, mainly near streams. A common weed of cultivated land, usually found in shady or moist places. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)