Death Camas: A Toxic Plant to Beware Of
Introduction
Death camas is a dangerous plant that can be deadly if ingested. It is found in the western United States and across the Plains states. Livestock are most at risk of poisoning, but humans can also be affected.
What is Death Camas?
Death camas is a type of plant that belongs to the Zigadenus genus. There are at least 15 species of death camas native to North America. They can grow in a variety of habitats, including moist mountain valleys, dry hills, forests, grasslands, and even coastal and marsh areas.
Toxicity
All species of death camas are considered toxic. The level of toxicity can vary from one species to the next, but all should be treated with caution. Livestock are particularly susceptible to death camas poisoning. As little as half a pound of leaves can be deadly to a grazing animal. The mature leaves and bulbs are the most toxic parts of the plant.
Symptoms of Poisoning
Symptoms of death camas poisoning in animals include vomiting, excessive salivation, tremors, weakness, loss of control over body movements, convulsions, and coma. If an animal has eaten too much death camas, it will likely die.
Identifying Death Camas
It is important to be able to identify death camas to avoid ingesting it. The leaves are grass-like and V-shaped. They grow from a bulb that resembles an onion with a dark outer coating. The stem is single and unbranched, and it terminates in a raceme of flowers. The flowers are small and have six petals. They can be greenish white, cream, or even slightly pink.
Death Camas vs. Edible Plants
Death camas can be mistaken for other edible plants, such as wild onion, sego lily, and camas plants. However, there are some key differences. Death camas bulbs do not have the distinctive onion scent. Also, the leaves of death camas are V-shaped, while the leaves of edible plants are typically flat.
Preventing Poisoning
The best way to prevent death camas poisoning is to avoid contact with the plant. If you are unsure if a plant is death camas, it is best to leave it alone.
Livestock Owners
Livestock owners should be aware of the dangers of death camas. Inspect any grazing area before turning animals loose. Avoid any areas that are heavily populated with death camas.
Conclusion
Death camas is a toxic plant that can be deadly if ingested. It is important to be able to identify death camas to avoid poisoning. If you are unsure if a plant is death camas, it is best to leave it alone.
