Death Camas (Zigadenus venenosus)

There are several species of death camas. This species grows in prairies, grasslands, sagebrush and open dry forests in much of western and central U.S. and Canada. The entire plant is highly toxic and fatal to both humans and animals. Poisoning symptoms include profuse salivation, burning lips, mouth numbness, thirst, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, slow irregular heart beat, low blood pressure and low temperature, difficulty breathing, coma, and death. Photo from Lenore, Idaho.