Nothoscordum bivalve aka Crowpoison

Nothoscordum bivalve is a bulbous perennial in the amaryllis family. Its common names include false garlic and crow poison. It comes from temperate and subtropical parts of the Americas. Its range includes the southeastern and south-central United States. It also extends south into South America. Wild plants grow in open woods, savannas, glades, barrens, and prairies. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This small plant forms clumps from round underground bulbs. Garden plants reach about 1.25 feet [0.38 m] tall. Flower stems can reach 1.33 feet [0.41 m]. Clumps spread about 0.67–0.75 feet [0.20–0.23 m] across. Each bulb measures about 0.04 feet [0.013 m] across. A bulb produces one to four narrow, linear leaves. These can reach 1 foot [0.30 m] long. Each bulb also sends up a single flowering scape. The leaves and taller flower stems give the plant a slight, upright form.

Flowers appear from March to May. Each scape carries an umbel of four to eight flowers. The small blooms face upward above the narrow leaves. Each flower measures about 0.04 feet [0.013 m] across. The flowers are white, with yellow near their bases. They provide a showy spring display despite their small size. The blooms also draw butterflies to the planting. Plants spread readily from seed, which helps them establish beyond their first clump.

Grow false garlic in full sun or partial shade. It grows best in sandy or rocky soil that drains well. Soil can range from evenly moist to dry. The plant tolerates dry ground and short periods of drought. It also copes with shallow, rocky soils. Its stated hardiness range is USDA Zones 5–9. These traits suit open garden sites with free drainage. The supplied guidance rates its maintenance needs as low.

False garlic suits lawns where it can spread and naturalize. It also fits prairie plantings, rock gardens, and other open spaces. Its small clumps and spring flowers offer value in these settings. Allow room for seedlings where natural spread is welcome. No major pest or disease problems are reported by Missouri Botanical Garden. The supplied evidence does not establish edible uses or toxicity. The common name crow poison alone does not settle its safety.