Definition

Noun 1. A poisonous plant: A common perennial plant of the death camas species (Zigadenus nuttallii or similar species in the Toxicoscordion genus), known for its toxicity to livestock and humans. It is native to regions from Tennessee to Kansas to Texas.

Usage

• The term poison camas is used specifically to identify this toxic plant, distinguishing it from edible camas species.
• It functions as a compound noun where "poison" modifies "camas" to specify the dangerous type.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Ranchers must be able to identify poison camas to protect their cattle.
  • The meadow was beautiful but dotted with the white flowers of poison camas.

Advanced Usage

• As a subject of study: The plant is often discussed in botany, toxicology, and range management contexts.
  • The alkaloids in poison camas were the focus of the research.

Variants and Related Words

• Death camas: A general common name for plants in the genus, which includes poison camas.
• Zigadenus nuttallii: The former scientific name for a specific species of poison camas.
• Toxicoscordion: The modern genus name for death camas plants.

Synonyms

• Death camas
• Poison zygadenus (less common)

Notes

• Important Distinction: Poison camas is not to be confused with common or edible camas ( species), which have historically been an important food source. The modifier "poison" is critical for this distinction.
• Toxicity: All parts of the poison camas plant are poisonous due to steroidal alkaloids.

Noun

1. a common perennial death camas; Tennessee to Kansas to Texas