Definition

1. Noun:
   • A poisonous plant of the genus Zigadenus: "death camas" refers to any of several perennial plants characterized by grayish-green (glaucous) leaves and clusters of mostly white flowers. All parts of these plants are highly toxic to humans and livestock.

Usage

• The term is used as a common name for these specific toxic plants, often in botanical, agricultural, or ecological contexts to warn of danger.
• It functions as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • Hikers should learn to identify death camas to avoid accidental poisoning.
  • The meadow was beautiful but dotted with deadly death camas.
  • Grazing animals can die from eating death camas.

Advanced Usage

• "Death camas poisoning": refers to the condition caused by ingesting the plant.
  • The veterinarian treated the sheep for suspected death camas poisoning.

Variants and Related Words

• Zigadenus (n): The scientific genus name for death camas.
• Poison camas (n): Another common name for the same plants.
• Camas (n): A related but distinct group of plants (genus ) with edible bulbs, highlighting the importance of correct identification.

Synonyms

• Poisonous zigadenus: A more formal descriptive synonym.
• Toxic lily: A general descriptive term, as these plants are in the lily family (Melanthiaceae).

Notes on Meaning

• The name directly indicates the plant's primary characteristic: it is a type of "camas" that causes "death." It is crucial not to confuse it with the edible common camas ().

Noun

1. any of various plants of the genus Zigadenus having glaucous leaves and terminal racemes of mostly white flowers; all are poisonous