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Melanthiaceae
Death Camas
Zigadenus venenosus
Danger and caution.
- Family
- Melanthiaceae
- Genus
- Zigadenus
- Native to
- Western North America
- Bloom season
- Spring, Early Summer
- Type
- Perennial
- Height
- 20-60 cm
- Sunlight
- Full sun to partial shade
- Soil
- Moist, well-drained meadow
- Water
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- 3-8
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Did you know
- Death camas is one of the most toxic plants in North America; all parts contain steroidal alkaloids.
- It closely resembles edible wild onions and camas lilies, leading to accidental poisonings throughout history.
- The Lewis and Clark Expedition recorded several men falling ill after eating death camas bulbs.
- Unlike the edible camas, death camas bulbs have no onion-like smell, which is the key identification difference.
- Livestock losses from death camas poisoning were historically significant in western rangelands.
Color meanings
0
Warning
1
Danger
2
Deception