Toxicoscordion venenosum (S. Watson) Rydb. var. venenosum
Meadow deathcamas
2016 Steve Matson 2016 Steve Matson 2016 Steve Matson 2016 Steve Matson 2019 Matt Berger 2023 richard mcneill 2016 Steve Matson 2020 Larry Leigh 2021 Dana York 2015 John Schmidt 2019 Richard Spjut
Toxicoscordion venenosum var. venenosum is a perennial herb that is native to California, and also found elsewhere in western North America.
[Wikipedia] Toxicity: Toxicoscordion venenosum has a well deserved poisonous reputation.[20] The main toxic alkaloid contained in the plants is zygacine, but other esters of zygadenine develop in the plant as the seed pods ripen.[30] While they are not easily confused with other species while in bloom they can easily be mistaken for edible bulbs like those of the camas lily in the Pacific Northwest once the leaves and flowering stems have faded.[20] As few as two bulbs are sufficient to kill a fully-grown human, with the poisons not degraded by cooking.[25] The toxins also remain stable when dried and stored, with bulbs remaining toxic for two decades after collection.[31] The seeds and the bulbs are the most toxic parts of the plants. (link added by Mary Ann Machi)
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Suggested Citation
Calflora:
Information on California plants for education, research and conservation,
with data contributed by
public and private institutions and individuals.
[web application]. 2025. Berkeley, California:The Calflora Database
[a non-profit organization].Available:
https://www.calflora.org/(Accessed: 03/23/2025).