Toxicoscordion venenosum (Meadow Death Camas)

Plant Description: A highly toxic (hence its name) wildflower native throughout Oregon and the Willamette Valley. White flowers of six petals with 6 stamens in each flower and yellow centers. Flowers grow up single stalks in long clusters. All leaves grow from the base. Grows from bulbs that can be mistaken for Camas ssp, however this species is highly toxic, so much that very few pollinators can even handle the toxicity. In fact, this species is the primary support for the Death Camas Miner Bee, which has evolved to handle the level of toxicity in the pollen. Every part of this plant is poisonous and ingestion can cause severe illness or death in livestock, humans, and animals. While this plant is highly toxic, if a bulb is eaten it will likely not be life threatening. Typically, ingestion of 3 - 5 bulbs will cause life threatening risks to adults and 2 bulbs or greater will cause life threatening affects in children and animals. However very small children or animals may only need to eat one bulb in order to have life threatening health risks. 

• Height: 12" - 24"
• Width: 5" - 10"
• Sun needs: full sun to part shade
• Soil needs: tolerates moist to dry soil and is commonly found in sandy to rocky soils. 
• Bloom Time: April-July
• Portland Plant List (Backyard Habitat Certification): No

Landscape Use and Ecological Function: This wildflower species thrives in moist meadows and rocky hillsides. It does well in well draining sites that receive regular or seasonal moisture. Supports the Death Camas Miner Bee!