Poison - Death Camas/Star Lily

Something that really surprised me was that a plant that looks relatively pretty, can be deadly? That's right! The Star Lily is a deadly plant! It is also known as the death camas. (Toxicoscordion fremontii (Torrey) Rydb in latin)The plant grows from a bulb, and can be mistaken for an onion. The Star Lily is most commonly found in the Western United States (us), some parts in the Eastern United States, and the North American, Western sub arctic and Eastern Siberia. All parts of the "death camas" are extremely toxic. All parts of this plant contain the poisonous alkaloid zygadenine Symptoms include: nervousness, frothing at the mouth, loss of muscle control, subnormal temperature, upset stomach, diarrhea, reduced heart rate, decreased blood pressure and respiration rate. A coma is possible. 
The Star Lily is especially dangerous for cats and dogs if ingested, but humans have also been poisoned after eating the plant. Once, a 2 year-old-child became extremely ill after eating the plant. The alkaloids cause local irritation when ingested and affect the cardiovascular system by slowing the heart and decreasing blood pressure. Treatment includes emesis, activated charcoal, atropine and saline cathartic.

http://helenair.com/lifestyles/recreation/article_0c268c4e-b7d8-5210-9a41-3da75cb76d9d.html

I think it's interesting that a plant can be poisonous. I never knew this before. Obviously in the jungle some plants aren't the best to eat, but a plant that can be right outside our door? That can poison our animals and children? That really surprised me. Luckily it's not extremely deadly towards children.