Apocynum species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including the mouse moth and the Queen butterfly.
Also growing is the toxic dogbane, or Indian hemp, used by Native Americans in basket-weaving and for bowstrings.
Adults preferably feed on the nectar of white, pink and purple flowers, including Apocynum, Prunella, Mentha × piperita, Eutrochium and Asclepias.
The larvae feed on the underside of the leaf blades of Apocynum species.