Poison Garlic: Some members of the genus are known by the intriguing epithet: death camas. As you might have presumed, these plants are indeed toxic. The plant parts contain alkaloids that are toxic to both humans and livestock. All fresh plant parts (leaves, bulbs and flowers) are toxic; dried plant parts, especially the seeds and capsules are even more toxic. Consuming 2-6% of body weight is a fatal dose. The scientific name of the genus is derived from the Greek for 'poison garlic.' The term 'camas' comes from the Shoshone name for the edible camas root or blue camas flower (Camassia spp.), a closely related (and edible) genus in the Agavaceae.
Calflora:
Information on California plants for education, research and conservation,
with data contributed by
public and private institutions and individuals.
[web application]. 2025.The Calflora Database
[a non-profit organization].Available:
https://www.calflora.org/(Accessed: 03/29/2025).
