Fly Poison (also known as Stagger Grass) is a member of the Lily Family and is conspicuous from April through June. It has grass-like basal leaves and at full bloom a spectacular cylindrical, white inflorescence. Although the distribution of Fly Poison is reported to be throughout the Southeast, extending as far west as Oklahoma and as far north as New York, it is found infrequently in a range of habitats from wetlands to pine-oak forests. At the Arboretum, it can be seen along the Oak-Hickory and Backwoods trails.

All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the bulb. In the past, a mixture of sugar or honey and crushed portions of the bulb was used to kill flies. Cattle and sheep may eat the plant when other forage plants are not available. The toxic alkaloid contained in the plants can cause the animals to stagger around before dying - thus the origin of the common name "stagger grass."

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