Fremont's Deathcamas © Walt Anderson

Simple-shaped Flowers

Description Loose, branching flower spike atop stout, pale green, sparsely leafed stem.
Flowers: 1" (2.5 cm), yellow and white, star-shaped, with 3 petals and 3 similar sepals;
Leaves: basal leaves linear, 24" (60 cm); upper leaves shorter.
Height: to 32" (80 cm).

Warning Plants in the genus Zigadenus can be highly toxic, sometimes fatally, to humans and animals if eaten. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.

Flower March-May.

Habitat Grassy or wooded slopes, including chaparral, especially after fire.

Range California coast, Coast Ranges, and Sacramento Valley; isolated occurrence in southern coastal Oregon.