Death Camass

Zigadenus venenosus S. Wats.

Liliaceae (Lily Family)

▲▼ mature, flowering plants

▲▼ flowers

▲ fruit

 

▲ population on a hillside in western Nebraska

Death Camass: 

·         Native perennial, bulbous, monocot plant, with narrow, grass-like, rounded dark green leaves

·         Has spikes of 6-petalled creamy white flowers in late spring, early summer; grows 6-24” tall

·         Very toxic to livestock if grazed (usually not grazed); toxic to humans as well

·         Several species found in Midwest;  we have showy death camass in Missouri; regular death camass is more common in northern and western midwest