Black Death Camas

Stenanthium densum (sten-ANTH-ee-um DEN-sum)

Family: Melanthiaceae Native Herbaceous

Crow-poisoon or Osceola's plume is an herbaceous perennial wildflower in the trillium family (Melanthiaceae). The species epithet means "dense." The common name of Osceola's Plume refers to its plume of flowers. Another common name, crow-poison, is derived from its poisonous nature. This native plant can be found growing throughout a large portion of the Southeastern Coastal Plains in moist open savannas, wet flat woods, bogs, and pinelands. In North Carolina, it occurs throughout the southern and central Coastal Plain. This long-lived native perennial wildflower naturalizes easily in its native habitat. It's a wild species that may be difficult to find in cultivation. Unlike other plants of this species that bloom in the summer, this plant blooms in the spring months. The showy flowers begin forming and blooming near the bottom of the stem, working their way upwards. Older flowers may turn a rich rose-red to purple as they age. From a distance, the closely held flowers appear as a fluffy plume. Following a fire, this plant can be more noticeable and does favor locations where prescribed burns have been completed. This plant belongs to a group of plants known as 'death camas'. It is said to be the most toxic. The foliage can cause death to livestock that graze on this plant. The bulb, which resembles an onion, is also toxic, and can cause death if ingested. Caution should be used when grazing animals or family pets are in the vicinity of these plants. It dies to the ground in the winter months, then come springtime, a whirl of long, thin leaves emerges. From the leaves a mostly leafless stem grows up to 5' tall. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: If ingested, the foliage and bulbs are both toxic to grazing animals and family pets.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 62 attributes.