Dogbane aka Indian Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum) and Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium). Dogbane is very easy to find in the wild, often growing in disturbed areas and spreads by rhizome. It often is mistaken for a milkweed due to the similarities of leaf, stalk, and flower. Dogbane also will milk sap when crushed like milkweed. Dogbane grows more as a messy shrub and does not have hairy stems. (learnyourland.com has a good video on identification) Rattlesnake Master is more common in prairies and often not seen in the wild due to loss of habitat. It has leathery leaves with spikes along them that seems out of place in Ohio and more as a desert species. The flowering stalks are 4-5ft in height. Both plants are harvested usually in late fall, using Dogbane stalks and Rattlesnake Master leaves. They are processed by crushing and separation of the fibers. (fibershed.org discusses land management of dogbane) Dogbane fiber is similar to flax with long continuous fibers and require less processing compared to hemp. (The Urban Aboriginal on youtube has a good video on spinning fibers) Rattlesnake Master leaves are stripped and soaked before working. I grow both of these plants and can readily give away dogbane root shoots by late May if interested in cultivation or closeft inspection and familiarity. Dogbane is toxic to dogs and livestock, but most animals leave it alone. Rattlesnake Master is one I will be cultivating to sell, but also have it on site for inspection & building familiarity. Both species are deeply important for our ecosystem; supplying pollinators, attracting beneficial insects, being host plants for moths, and having intricate relationships with other native plants. Dogbane is easy to farm, where more harvested does better for the plant long term. I highly recommend the following site to view woodland indigenous textiles with the style and methods used. http://www.woodlandindianedu.com/textileandfiberarts.html

Shoes made from Rattlesnake Master, from Tennessee

Potawotomi bag from dogbane fiber

Dogbane

Natural foraged fibers. In Ohio there are two plants that were commonly used by indigenous for their usage in cordage, nets, bags, and clothing...

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