Veratrum californicum Durand Corn lily, California corn lily
California corn lily is native to mountain meadows in southwestern North America and the Rocky Mountains. Identification: This plant's leaves resemble those of corn (or corn husks), leading to the unfortunate name "wild corn" as well as corn lily—unfortunate because this plant is poisonous to people and animals. Leaves are up to 1′ (38 cm) long and 7″ (17 cm) wide, strongly veined; plants reach six feet in height. Flowers have six petals, and are green, with white tips and yellow stamens. Edibility: Poisonous All parts of the plant are poisonous, and roots are 5-10 times worse than other parts. Highly toxic alkaloids effect the heart and nervous system. Poisoning causes birth defects in sheep. Poisoning symptoms include excessive salivation or frothing; irregular gait; vomiting; fast, irregular heartbeat; show, shallow breathing; coma; convulsions. Online References:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness Wildflowers, Ferns & Trees of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Veratrum californicum description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 25 May 2020. |
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