Fly Poison

Amianthium muscitoxicum

Physical Characteristics

Amianthium muscitoxicum is a BULB growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Beetles. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Southeastern N. America - New York to Florida.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Skin Native Cherokee used the plant as a dermatological cure for itch[270].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are highly toxic, containing the alkaloids jervine and amianthine[200, 270]