DEATH CAMAS

WHAT IS IT?

• Plant found across western United States
• Average looking plant
• Extremely toxic due to the presence of zygacine
• Dried death camas remains toxic for 20 years

WHERE?

• Grows in many places
• Elevation: 1,400 to 8,000 ft
• Grows best in rich, moist soil or lower foothills

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DESCRIPTION

• 6-28 inches tall
• Perennial
• Long narrow leaves(grasslike)
• Yellowish-white flowers
• Onion-like bulb

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MISTAKEN FOR:

• Wild onion
• Wild hyacinth

WILD ONION

DEATH CAMAS

WILD HYACINTH

DEATH CAMAS

OTHER USES

• Ornamental
• Native American tribes used them

SYMPTOMS

• Causes many health problems

AFFECTS ON LIVESTOCK

• Sprouts in spring earlier than other plants
• One of first plants available to graze
• Overgrazing increases Death Camas population

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CONTROL

• Spray with 2,4-D
• After flower stalks appear,
• Chemical is ineffective

REFERENCES

• http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/zigven/all.html#REFERENCES
• https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/24228/RPLNO0...
• http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/d/death_camas_poisoning/symptoms.htm#symptom_...