Poisonous Plants of Georgia
	The Herbarium of the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia

	Common Name: Scientific Name: Death camas, Crow poison Zigadenus densus (Desr.) Fernald, Z. glaberrimus Michx
				Family: Melianthiaceae
			Click on the photos to enlarge images and read a scientific description. This plant may be poisonous to both humans and animals. Please refer to the "Symptoms" section below for information regarding susceptiblity of animal species to poisoning.
		Description: The leaves originate from the base of the plant and are smooth and linear. The flowers form clusters. The bulbs are often confused with camas and sego lily which are edible. Toxic Part: All parts of the plant are considered toxic although most incidences of poisoning result from ingestion of the bulbs. Toxin: The toxic compounds are Veratrum-like steroid alkaloids which act to increase muscle and nerve excitability and affect cardiovascular functioning, gut motility, and the functioning of the central nervous system Symptoms: In most cases ingestion of the bulb (or other plant parts) causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, hypotension and a slowed heart rate in humans. Treatment: Treatment usually includes induced emesis unless contraindicated, activated charcoal and saline cathartic. Atropine may be administered to reverse the cardiac effects of the alkaloids. Spoerke and Spoerke recommend that patients be treated symptomatically since symptoms can differ with different species of Zigadenus. References: 68, 105, 173, 195 This site is NOT a substitute for the advice of medical physician. Plant poisonings can, in certain cases, result in SERIOUS HARM AND EVEN DEATH. Please contact a physician or your local poison control center if you suspect any plant poisoning. A link to the Georgia Poison Control Center can be found on the "References and Links" page of this site.