Apocynum cannabinum has a broad bioregional distribution in North America ranging from California to British Columbia on the west coast and spreading broadly across the Great Basin Floristic Province and thence further eastward in the USA. Preferred habitats are moist places near streams, springs and floodplains at elevations less than 2000 meters.

With the common name Hemp dogbane, this stout plant is more or less stiffly erect and branched near the top. The leaves are petioled with blades five to eight centimeters, with a base tapered to cordate, sometimes clasping stem; leaf tips are obtuse to acute. Flower corollae are 2.5 to 5.0 millimeters in extent, and cylindric to urn-shaped in shape. Fruits are six to nine cm in characteristic size.