The part of the plant that is used to make cordage is the fibers in the "bark" or "skin" of the stalks. The time of year to collect the fibers is late fall. Earlier, and the plant is still alive. The fibers have to dry out so they will detach from the plant easily. As well, the fibers aren't as strong until the plant dies.

Please note that dogbane is poisonous to ingest (eat). So when you're working with dogbane, wash your hands before eating.

Here's a couple more photos of Dogbane so you can more easily identify it.

There are actually 4 types of Dogbane, but for the purposes of cordage-making, they're essentially the same.

Here's a closer view of the plant, showing how the stems branch.

Dogbane in flower.

Now is not a good time to collect cordage material from the plant!

It has to die and dry out a bit first. So late fall would be the best time.

Here is a dogbane plant in late fall (it's the plant in the center of the photo).

Dogbane grows on forest edges and in forest clearings. It can also be found in fields. Here it is growing on a forest edge and forest clearing.

This dogbane stalk is about to give up its fibers:

First break off the stalk at ground level. Then strip the fibers of the "bark" or "skin" of the stalk, from the bottom up.

Move slowly, and try to keep the strip as wide as possible as you move up the stem.

Here's an alternative way that works really well. Hold the stalk in one hand and gently pull the bark strip away with the other, sliding the "holding hand" along the stalk as the bark is stripped away. (My apologies for this photo being out of focus - I hope to get a better one soon).

The result of a few minutes work: a bundle of dogbane fibers, ready to be cleaned and made into cordage.

After stripping the bark from the plant, you will need to clean the thin "skin" from the fibers.

Survival Containers Cordage

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