Scientific Name
Zigadenus spp.
Common Name
Black snakeroot, death camas

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Liliaceae
Plant Description
Perennial herb; leaves mostly at base, alternate, simple, narrow and grass-like; flowers in large terminal clusters, white or cream, 6-parted, each with 1-2 yellowish glands at the base on the upper side; fruit a capsule.
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Coastal Plain.
Where Found
Forest or natural area in wet meadows or open woods.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Nausea, burning of mouth and throat, salivation, muscular weakness, vomiting, diarrhea.
Toxic Principle
Steroidal alkaloids zygadenine and others.
Severity
HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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