Death Camas
(Scientific Name: Zygadenus
species)
[Common Name(s): Death Camas]
Description:
Perennial plants growing from narrow, coated bulbs. Grass-like
leaves are mostly at the base; numerous, small whitish flowers form
a loose terminal cluster at the top of an un-branched stem. Near the
base of each flower petal is a thickened greenish or yellowish
gland.
Habitat: Dry soils of hills and desert areas
or damp meadows, depending on the species. Widely distributed.
POISONOUS:
(bulbs, leaves, flowers, pollen) All parts of these plants are
poisonous, with some species much more so than others. Since the
edible bulbs of wild onions, blue camas and mariposa lily might be
confused with those of the death camas, it is wise to collect these
bulbs for food only when the plants are in bloom.
