The highest concentration of the toxin, an alkaloid, is found in the bulb of the plant. The alkaloid, which is cumulative, is also found in the fruit and leaves. It is consumed only when other forage is unavailable and cases of toxicity are observed in the spring, summer and fall. Cattle and sheep are most commonly affected.
Death is caused by respiratory failure.
Sedatives may be given. Gastric protectives may be administered by stomach tube unless this procedure excites the animal. Leaves opposite, whorled or rarely alternate, simple, linear to widely ovate, entire. Flowers borne in dense, often showy umbels, often white or greenish white but may also be red, orange, lavender or pale green. Fruit, an elongated follicle splitting on one side and releasing many seeds topped with white, silky hairs that enables them to be widely dispersed by the wind.