Flytrap dogbane is an attractive perennial wildflower with freely branched stems from 20-50 cm high. The herbage ranges from glabrous to tomentose. The leaves are opposite on the stems and are oblong-elliptic, ovate, oval or cordate-ovate in shape. They range from 2.5-7 cm long.
The inflorescence is a terminal to axillary cyme with pink flowers. The flowers are narrowly bell-shaped and 5-7 mm long with erect to spreading lobes. The calyx lobes are ovate with rounded tips or lanceolate with pointed tips, measuring 1.5-3.5 mm long. The fruits are narrow follicles, measuring from 5-14 cm long, and held erect or reflexed.
Flytrap dogbane is an excellent nectar source for butterflies. The plants are often covered with a wide variety of butterflies and other insects, which are often so busy that one may setup and take decent photos without them flying off.
Flytrap dogbane may be found on dry, open or lightly wooded slopes and along disturbed roadsides from the valleys and foothills to medium elevation in the mountains.
Flytrap dogbane may be found across much of Canada and the United States except the southeastern US.
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