Family: Melanthiaceae
Author: (Torr.) Rydb.
Bibliography: Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 30: 273 (1903)
Year: 1903
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Toxicoscordion
Vegetable: False
Observations: SW. Oregon to Mexico (Baja California)
Description
Fremont’s death camas is a perennial plant that belongs to the Melanthiaceae family, bearing the scientific name Toxicoscordion fremontii. This remarkable species was first described in the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club in 1903 by the botanist Rydberg, referencing the earlier work of another notable botanist, Torr.
Thriving predominantly in the southwestern regions of Oregon and extending as far south as Baja California in Mexico, Fremont’s death camas occupies a distinct ecological niche. The plant is well-adapted to its environment, often found in meadows, open woodlands, and grasslands, where it dots the landscape with its strikingly beautiful, yet deceptively dangerous, flowers.
Characterized by its star-shaped, creamy-white to yellowish blooms arranged in dense clusters atop slender stalks, Fremont’s death camas exudes a delicate appearance. However, this allure masks its highly toxic nature. All parts of the plant, particularly the bulbs, contain potent alkaloids that can be lethal to both humans and livestock if ingested, thus earning it the name “death camas.”
Despite its toxicity, Toxicoscordion fremontii is a fascinating subject for botanical studies. It serves as an exemplary model for understanding plant defense mechanisms, adaptation, and the ecological roles of poisonous plants in their native habitats.
Fremont’s death camas is a striking specimen in the wild. Its presence also serves as a critical reminder of the intricate balance within ecosystems where beauty and danger coexist seamlessly.
Common Names
Eng: fremont’s death camas, fremont’s deathcamas, star zygadene, star-lily
En: Fremont’s death camas, Star zygadene, Star-lily, Common star lily, Fremont’s deathcamas
Synonyms
- Zigadenus glaberrimus (Hook. & Arn.)
- Zigadenus fremontii var. minor (Baker)
- Toxicoscordion fremontii var. minor ((Baker) R.R.Gates)
- Anticlea fremontii (Torr.)
- Zigadenus fremontii var. inezianus (Jeps.)
- Zigadenus douglasii (Torr.)
- Zigadenus fremontii ((Torr.) Torr. ex S.Watson)
- Zigadenus fremontii var. salsus (Jeps.)
Distribution
- California (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Oregon (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Apr 8, 2016 by EOL − yasingi (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 20, 2016 by EOL − kevinhintsa (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 20, 2020 by Kelly Derkson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 19, 2022 by dick schreiber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 14, 2022 by Jeff Harris (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 12, 2018 by Masillo Gine (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 20, 2022 by Jason S. (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2021 by Jennifer MacDonald (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 2, 2022 by vitaly ivanov (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 20, 2022 by Jason S. (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2741793)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:255806-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Toxicoscordion fremontii (Torr.) Rydb.)
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb