Pronounced: an-TIK-lee-uh EL-eh-ganz (botanical Latin guide)
A native perennial with creamy star-shaped flowers, greenish glands near their centers, and narrow grasslike leaves.
Photograph by Where’s Wildlife. Tap to browse the photos.
Family: Melanthiaceae
Bloom: June–August
Height: 6–36 inches
Habitat: Moist prairies, meadows and calcareous wetlands; habitats vary across its broad range
Other common names: Mountain Death Camas · Elegant Camas
Scientific synonyms: Zigadenus elegans
Bloom timing and height vary by location.
01 · Six creamy white tepals with greenish heart-shaped glands
02 · Upright flower clusters, often branched
03 · Narrow, mostly basal leaves
Moist prairies, meadows and calcareous wetlands; habitats vary across its broad range. Look for flowers during june–august.
Take a close view of the flower centers without disturbing the plant.
Its perennial growth begins from an underground bulb. All parts are poisonous; this plant must not be confused with edible camas or wild onions.
Look for the six pale tepals and the ring of greenish glands near their bases.
Anticlea elegans is the accepted name used here; Zigadenus elegans remains common in older guides.
A close-up documents the glands; a wider view shows the flower branches and narrow leaves.
Much of northern and western North America, extending into the central and eastern United States and northern Mexico.
Observation maps show reported sightings, not the complete native range. Some recorded populations may be historical.
