Key Facts
- Bulbous perennial native to western North America
- Produces clusters of cream to white urn shaped flowers in spring
- Grows in meadows, open slopes, and grassland edges
- Spreads locally by bulbs and sets seed
- All plant parts are poisonous to humans and livestock
- Poisoning affects the heart and nervous system and can be fatal
- Tolerates a range of soils but does not like prolonged waterlogging
Meadow Death Camas (Zigadenus venenosus, syn. Toxicoscordion venenosum) is a bulbous perennial that produces clusters of cream to white urn shaped flowers in late spring. It suits natural meadows and open slopes but all parts are highly poisonous to people and animals, so use caution when planting or working near stands.
Identification
Bulbous perennial with grasslike basal leaves and a single flowering stalk that reaches about 8 to 24 inches tall. Flowers are cream to white and urn shaped, produced in clusters in late spring to early summer, roughly May through July. Plants form clumps from bulb offsets and will also set seed.
Where to grow and best uses
Found naturally in meadows, open slopes and grassland edges. Use Meadow Death Camas for native meadow restorations, naturalizing patches in unmowed native lawns, or planting on slopes where spring blooms are desirable and livestock are excluded. Roughly hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8 depending on local provenance.
Planting and propagation
Reproduces by bulb division and by seed. Divide clumps to propagate or collect seed after flowering for sowing. When adding to a site, place bulbs in groups to create a naturalized drift and allow room for clump expansion of about 6 to 18 inches.
Soil light and water
Grows best in full sun to partial shade on moist to well drained soils typical of meadows and open slopes. It tolerates rocky and heavier clay soils but does not tolerate prolonged waterlogging. Poor drainage increases the risk of bulb rot.
After flowering and maintenance
Allow foliage to die back naturally so bulbs can refill for the next season. Remove persistent seedheads if you want to limit spread. To reduce an established patch lift and remove bulbs or divide clumps; always wear gloves and avoid contact with bare skin when handling plants or bulbs.
Spread and control
Meadow Death Camas spreads locally by bulb offsets and slowly by seed. It is not typically an aggressive runner but can form sizeable patches over years. Control is mechanical by digging and removing bulbs or by dividing clumps before offsets establish.
Toxicity and safety
All plant parts are poisonous to humans, pets and livestock with bulbs especially hazardous. Toxic alkaloids affect the heart and nervous system and poisoning can be fatal. Keep animals away from areas with visible stands and contact poison control or a veterinarian immediately for suspected ingestion.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Meadow Death Camas grow?
- It grows at a modest pace, forming clumps from bulb offsets and expanding locally over several seasons rather than spreading aggressively.
- Is Meadow Death Camas poisonous?
- Yes. All parts are poisonous and can cause cardiac and neurological symptoms. Seek immediate medical or veterinary help if ingestion is suspected.
- When does Meadow Death Camas bloom?
- Blooms in late spring to early summer, roughly May through July in the Northern Hemisphere, with exact timing affected by elevation and local climate.
- How should I propagate it?
- By dividing bulbs or collecting and sowing seed after flowering. Dividing clumps is the quickest way to increase numbers.
- Can it be planted where livestock graze?
- No. Avoid planting or tolerating stands in pastures and other grazing areas because of the high risk to animals.
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