Toxicoscordion fremontii
Fremont's Death Camas
Also published as Zigadenus fremontii. You are in the right place.
About the plant
What it is and where it grows — not part of any germination protocol.
- Toxicity
- Poisonous to all. All, bulbs, leaves, flowers, pollen. Zygacine. Stated for Zigadenus spp.
Toxicity is noted only where a source states it. No note here is not a finding of safety.
Source: Plants Poisonous to Livestock — Cornell University Department of Animal Science.
This source reports three treatments. All are shown.
Protocol 1
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993Difficulty Low
Start around January 25, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
Cold moist stratification
Temperature: 40°F 4°C
92%, over 6-10 weeks -- it germinates in the cold.
No stated waiting before sowing. Then 70 days to germinate.
92% germination in 42–70 days.
92% sown straight into the cold. The best of three by a distance.
This source doesn't state how long.
Protocol 2
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993Difficulty Moderate
Start around December 1, 2026 for a May 3 last frost.
Warm moist stratification
Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C
Deno gives no length for this period; three months is his standard cycle.
Cold moist stratification
Temperature: 40°F 4°C
50%, over 3-5 weeks -- it germinates in the cold.
about 3 months from start to sowing. Then 35 days to germinate.
50% germination in 21–35 days.
A warm period first costs it forty points. Sow it cold.
This source doesn't state how long.
Protocol 3
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993Difficulty High
Start around March 15, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.
Sow outdoors and leave it
No stated waiting before sowing. Germination time not stated; 21 days assumed.
12% germination.
12% outdoors. Deno thinks the species was not hardy enough and that the cold killed some of the seed.
This source doesn't state how long.