Crow Poison

Nothoscordum bivalve

Safety note: The plant resembles wild garlic and onions but has no onion odor; it contains toxic alkaloids that can cause illness if ingested. Never eat any garlic-like plant that lacks the characteristic onion smell.

Crow Poison is a small native bulb of the southeastern United States and south-central states that produces clusters of small white or cream flowers with a greenish midvein in early spring. Despite its alarming common name, its toxicity to humans appears limited, but the name refers to its potential to poison livestock and birds. It grows in lawns, fields, open woodlands, and roadsides and is easily mistaken for wild garlic — the critical distinction being the absence of any garlic or onion odor. The spring flowers are an early nectar source for native bees.

Habitat

Lawns, open fields, roadsides, open woodlands, disturbed areas

Diet

Early spring flowers provide nectar for native bees; bulbs occasionally eaten by small mammals

How common

Common