Also known as Small-Flower Death Camas
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Smallflower Deathcamas (Toxicoscordion fontanum) is a highly poisonous perennial herb with grass-like leaves and small, white to cream-colored flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers open, sunny locations for optimal growth and flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce in dormancy.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperate climates; requires a cold period for dormancy.
Low
10% intensity
Generally does not require fertilization; thrives in lean soils.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic, particularly the bulbs and leaves. Contains steroidal saponins, including zygadenine and protoveratrine, which can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, cardiovascular effects, and neurological symptoms.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water moderately during the growing season (spring and early summer), allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly as the foliage begins to yellow and die back in late summer.
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent bulb rot. Overwatering is detrimental.
Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to prevent seed production and direct energy back into the bulb. Once the foliage naturally yellows and dies back in late summer, it can be tidied up or removed.
Avoid cutting back green foliage prematurely.
Propagation is primarily done by separating offsets (bulblets) that form around the parent bulb. This is best done in late summer or early autumn when the plant is dormant.
Replant the offsets immediately into well-draining soil. Seed propagation is possible but slow.
Repotting is rarely necessary for established plants as they prefer to be left undisturbed. If bulbs become overcrowded or need division, repot in late summer or early autumn into a container with excellent drainage.
Use a gritty, well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Smallflower Deathcamas (Toxicoscordion fontanum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Melanthiaceae |
| Genus | Toxicoscordion |
| Species | Toxicoscordion fontanum |
Similar in genus Toxicoscordion
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
