Definition

Noun: 1. A poisonous plant species: A perennial herb native to western North America, from the United States into Mexico, characterized by grass-like leaves. It is highly toxic, particularly to livestock that graze upon it. * Scientific name: Toxicoscordion venenosum (formerly Zigadenus venenosus).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ranchers are vigilant in removing grassy death camas from pastures to protect their cattle.
  • The grassy death camas can be difficult to distinguish from edible onions or camas, leading to accidental poisoning.
  • Hikers should avoid touching or ingesting any plant resembling the grassy death camas.

Advanced Usage

• As a subject of ecological or botanical study: The term is used in scientific and agricultural contexts to discuss plant toxicity, range management, and botanical identification.
  • The study focused on the alkaloid content of the grassy death camas across its geographical range.

Variants and Related Words

• Death camas: A broader common name for several related toxic plants in the genera and .
• Meadow death camas ( var. ): A specific variety.
• Poison camas: Another common name for this group of plants.

Synonyms

• Toxicoscordion venenosum (Scientific name, primary synonym).
• Zigadenus venenosus (Former scientific name).

Notes on Meaning

• The name is descriptive: "grassy" refers to its slender, grass-like foliage; "death" indicates its lethal toxicity; "camas" refers to its resemblance to the edible camas plant ( spp.), which is an important distinction for foragers and grazers.

Noun

1. plant of western North America to Mexico; poisonous especially to grazing animals