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IIIFolio · plant profile№ C275edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOreviewed 14 Oct 2026methodology → read

Fly Poison

Amianthium muscitoxicum
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Amianthium muscitoxicum (Fly Poison) — botanical photograph
Pl. C275 — Amianthium muscitoxicum
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I

Overview

Fly Poison, scientifically known as Amianthium muscitoxicum, is a member of the Lily family and is native to the southeastern United States, ranging from Alabama to Virginia. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure, making it suitable for gardens with similar conditions. Known for its edible bulb, Fly Poison has been utilized by local communities. Its distinctive feature includes small, white flowers that emerge in spring, followed by clusters of green berries that eventually turn black. While primarily a native plant, it is also cultivated for ornamental purposes due to its attractive appearance and adaptability. Fly Poison thrives in soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and prefers moist conditions. It grows well in zones 4-8, making it hardy in temperate regions. The plant reaches a height of about 1.2 meters and can be propagated through its edible bulb. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for best growth. The bulb of the Fly Poison is edible and can be prepared in various ways, often eaten raw or cooked, adding a mild flavor to dishes. It can also be dried for later use. This plant is primarily cultivated for its pest control utility, as it is known to attract and kill certain insects.

Quick answers

What is Fly Poison?

Fly Poison, scientifically known as Amianthium muscitoxicum, is a member of the Lily family and is native to the southeastern United States, ranging from Alabama to Virginia. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure, making it suitable for gardens with similar conditions.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Fly Poison, or Amianthium muscitoxicum, thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 1.2 meters tall. For propagation, bulbs can be divided in the fall. This plant is native to several southeastern states and is edible, with its bulb being the part to consume.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Mature size
1.2 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Fly Poison for the first time

8steps

Start with Fly Poison as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A small plant or bulb, well-draining soil, and a container or garden bed.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in early spring or late fall when the ground is not frozen.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure the soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy with good drainage. Amend as needed for your local conditions.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Plant bulbs 5-10 cm deep in well-prepared soil, spacing them about 20 cm apart.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun to partial shade and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch around the base for moisture retention.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to maintain a neat appearance, but do not harvest bulbs as they are used for propagation.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without amending, and neglecting to provide enough sunlight or shade as needed.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Bulb
Edible uses: The bulb of the Fly Poison (Amianthium muscitoxicum) is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is often eaten raw or cooked, adding a mild flavor to dishes. The bulbs can also be dried for later use.
Other uses:Pest control
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

20 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 20 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Amianthium muscitoxicum (Fly Poison) — botanical photograph
Fly Poison (Amianthium muscitoxicum)
XI

Explore further

Companion planting
Growing zone
XII

About this entry

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