PlantFunMountain death camas Toxic?
All plant parts are severely toxic, with zygadenine (a neurotoxic steroid alkaloid) as the primary toxic compound
Symptoms onset 1 to 5 hours post-ingestion, including gastrointestinal distress, cardiac abnormalities and neurological impairment
It is often confused with edible wild onion species, raising the risk of accidental human and livestock poisoning
FAQ
Is Mountain death camas toxic to Humans?
1-5 hour latency period post-exposure. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain/cramps, diarrhea, bradycardia, low blood pressure, muscle fasciculations, and ataxia. Fatal cases are possible in severe exposure. (Severe)
Is Mountain death camas toxic to Cats?
No confirmed species-specific clinical data available. Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and uncoordinated movement if ingestion is suspected. (High)
Is Mountain death camas toxic to Dogs?
No confirmed species-specific clinical data available. Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and uncoordinated movement if ingestion is suspected. (High)
Is Mountain death camas toxic to Horses?
No confirmed species-specific clinical data available. Monitor for gastrointestinal distress, cardiac arrhythmia, and neurological abnormalities if ingestion is suspected. (High)
Toxicity Details
1-5 hour latency period post-exposure. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain/cramps, diarrhea, bradycardia, low blood pressure, muscle fasciculations, and ataxia. Fatal cases are possible in severe exposure.
No confirmed species-specific clinical data available. Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and uncoordinated movement if ingestion is suspected.
No confirmed species-specific clinical data available. Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and uncoordinated movement if ingestion is suspected.
No confirmed species-specific clinical data available. Monitor for gastrointestinal distress, cardiac arrhythmia, and neurological abnormalities if ingestion is suspected.
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Induce vomiting immediately if ingestion is confirmed and the affected individual (human/animal) is fully conscious
- • Administer activated charcoal at standard dosage to bind unabsorbed toxins in the gastrointestinal tract
- • Keep the affected individual calm and limit physical activity to slow toxin circulation
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of any part of the plant
- • Presence of vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, or uncoordinated movement after potential exposure
- • Seizures, loss of consciousness, or extreme lethargy post-exposure
Prevention
- • Mark wild growth zones of this plant to prevent accidental ingestion by foraging humans and grazing livestock
- • Never forage for wild onions or similar bulb plants unless you can definitively distinguish them from death camas (wild onion has a characteristic onion/garlic scent when crushed, death camas does not)
- • Keep this plant out of reach of pets and livestock if grown as an ornamental
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Prompt gastrointestinal decontamination including emesis and activated charcoal administration
- • Symptomatic supportive care including fluid therapy to stabilize blood pressure and electrolyte balance
- • Atropine administration to treat bradycardia as directed by a medical or veterinary professional
Professional Toxicology
• Neurotoxic zygadenine and other steroid alkaloids disrupt normal nervous system signaling, leading to gastrointestinal, cardiac and neurological dysfunction
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
The following plants look similar and may be confused:
Related Toxic Plants
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Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.