CORN LILY
(Veratrum californicum)
Corn lily is common in forested areas where the soil is consistently moist. It is a tall, erect plant, all parts of which are highly toxic and potentially fatal. The highest concentration of toxins are in the roots. Early spring foliage seems to be more poisonous than mature leaves. Poisoning symptoms include burning sensations in the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, blurred vision, hallucinations, and general paralysis. It may cause birth defects if consumed by pregnant females. The occasional cases of human poisoning have been attributed to misuse of medicinal preparations. Veratrum species are used medicinally to treat high blood pressure though doses are difficult to standardize. This plant was used medicinally by American Indians for external afflictions and as a local anesthetic. It was also occasionally used in cleansing rites as a purgative.
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