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Crow-poison

Nothoscordum bivalve

Last reviewed: August 2026

Crow-poison (Nothoscordum bivalve)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Crow-poison (Nothoscordum bivalve) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, FL and 16 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

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Crow-poison is a small native bulb that produces delicate white flowers in spring. This low-growing perennial forms neat clumps of narrow, grass-like foliage that stays compact throughout the growing season.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Crow-poison takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Common name includes 'poison' which raises concerns
  • May be confused with weedy wild onions
  • Very small size makes it appear unmaintained in formal landscapes

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract native bees and beetles during the spring blooming period. As a native bulb, it provides early season nectar when few other plants are flowering.

Common questions

How much sun does Crow-poison need?
Crow-poison grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Crow-poison bloom?
Crow-poison blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Crow-poison native?
Crow-poison (Nothoscordum bivalve) is native to AL, AR, AZ, FL and 16 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Crow-poison attract?
Crow-poison draws bees and beetles.
Is Crow-poison HOA-friendly?
Crow-poison takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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