Species library · Plants & herbs

Alkali Death-camas: deadly poisonous

Anticlea elegans

☠ Deadly poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

Alkali Death-camas is classed as deadly poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. When in doubt, have a find identified by an expert.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from April to June in the northern hemisphere. Found in Grassland.

☠ Deadly poisonous
Alkali Death-camas (Anticlea elegans)

Photo: (c) marlin harms, some rights reserved (CC BY) · iNaturalist

When Alkali Death-camas appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

Alkali Death-camas is usually found in Grassland.

Look up Alkali Death-camas in the app

In the Forage app, Alkali Death-camas has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

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Alkali Death-camas: common questions

Is Alkali Death-camas poisonous?

Yes. Alkali Death-camas is classed as deadly poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does Alkali Death-camas appear?

Alkali Death-camas usually appears from April to June in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Alkali Death-camas grow?

Alkali Death-camas is usually found in Grassland.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits