Apocynum cannabinum is a common forb in eastern North America but thoroughly underappreciated in the ornamental plant trades.

It is deer resistant; has beautiful, eucalyptus-like foliage that turns yellow in the fall, often on reddish stems; produces unique flowers and clusters of long, skinny bean-like seedpods that open in the winter to release feathery tufts of seeds to the wind; is very tough, and easy to grow in a wide variety of light and soil moisture conditions; and supports a lot of wildlife as a pollinator and larval host plant for multiple moth larvae.

Though it is toxic, mammals tend to avoid it because of its latex sap, and humans have historically used it for cord fiber and medicinal purposes. It can be an aggressive grower, so may out-compete less vigorous neighbors, but is wonderful in masses in larger landscapes, in meadows, in habitat restoration and roadside plantings, and as a cut-flower late in the season for its unique seed-pods.