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Camas Zigadenus glaberrimus

Other plants called Camas:

Previously known as:

  • Toxicoscordion fremontii
Phonetic Spelling
zig-uh-DEN-us gla-ber-REE-mus
This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Camas is the only species to remain intact in this genus. and is native to the southeastern United States including North Carolina.  Twenty species formerly in the genus are now found in four different genera.  Distinguishing characteristics are the rhizome, which is thick and twisted and two conspicuous glands per tepal.  Former members of the genus grow from a true bulb.

In its native environment, it can be found growing in sandhill seepage bogs, pine savannas, pocosin edges, along small streams and in sandy pine lands.  Typically, it grows in areas of low elevations, under 350'.   

This plant grows 2-4 feet tall and prefers full sun in moist to wet acidic soil. Bog-type growing conditions are best for this plant.

Growing from thick, twisted rhizomes, it flowers in mid-summer to early fall with white to creamy blooms in panicles of 30 to 70 blooms.  Basal leaves are linear and grass-like and turn reddish in fall and winter.

This plant can be difficult to find commercially, however, its presence in the wild where it can spread into large stands, is quite attractive. It can be grown in bog gardens and attracts pollinators. It is quite poisonous to humans, cats, dogs and livestock.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#poisonous#heat tolerant#herbaceous#NC native#herbaceous perennial#pollinator plant#short lifespan#food source fall#food source nectar#food source pollen#Coastal FACW#Piedmont Mountains OBL#wet soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#Audubon#salt spray intolerant#poisonous to livestock#boggy sites
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#poisonous#heat tolerant#herbaceous#NC native#herbaceous perennial#pollinator plant#short lifespan#food source fall#food source nectar#food source pollen#Coastal FACW#Piedmont Mountains OBL#wet soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#Audubon#salt spray intolerant#poisonous to livestock#boggy sites
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Zigadenus
    Species:
    glaberrimus
    Family:
    Melanthiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southeastern U.S.A.
    Distribution:
    AL , FL , GA , MS , NC , SC , TX , VA
    Fire Risk Rating:
    medium flammability
    Wildlife Value:
    This plant attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Heat tolerant.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Native Plant
    Perennial
    Poisonous
    Wildflower
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Occasional Flooding
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Fruit in the form of a cone-shaped capsule displays from August to November.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Gold/Yellow
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Star
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    6 to 12 flowers clustered on short stems or attached directly to a main stem. 6 creamy white to pale-yellow tepals with two lime green dots. Stamens are long and showy. Blooms June-September.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Veined, linear, grass-like basal leaves form in the spring. Stem leaves are reduced.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    Multi-branched glabrous stems with a reddish hue.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Patio
    Pond
    Slope/Bank
    Walkways
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rain Garden
    Water Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Heat
    Wet Soil
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
    Short-lived
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    High
    Poison Symptoms:
    Symptoms include vomiting, hypotension, bradycardia, muscular weakness, tremors, incoordination, ataxia and prostration. If untreated can lead to death.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Alkaloids
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Seeds
    Stems