Suksdorf’s Large Camas
(Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii)
Suksdorf’s Large Camas (Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii)
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Gail A Baker
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Gail A Baker
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Gail A Baker | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Gail A Baker | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-05-13T15:13:30-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii, commonly known as Suksdorf’s Large Camas, is a deciduous perennial herb native to moist meadows, grasslands, and the edges of forests in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It typically grows to a height of 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). This plant features tall, sturdy stalks topped with star-shaped flowers in varying shades of blue, cream, purple, white, and yellow that bloom in late spring to early summer, providing a showy display.
Suksdorf’s Large Camas is valued for its striking floral spikes that can add vertical interest to garden borders and wildflower meadows. It is also a traditional food source for Indigenous peoples, with its bulb being edible when cooked. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water, thriving in well-drained soils. While it is relatively low maintenance, it can be susceptible to slugs and snails. Suksdorf’s Large Camas is not typically invasive but can naturalize in suitable conditions. It is important to note that while the bulbs are edible, they must be distinguished from toxic look-alikes such as certain lily species.CC BY-SA 4.0
Suksdorf’s Large Camas is valued for its striking floral spikes that can add vertical interest to garden borders and wildflower meadows. It is also a traditional food source for Indigenous peoples, with its bulb being edible when cooked. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water, thriving in well-drained soils. While it is relatively low maintenance, it can be susceptible to slugs and snails. Suksdorf’s Large Camas is not typically invasive but can naturalize in suitable conditions. It is important to note that while the bulbs are edible, they must be distinguished from toxic look-alikes such as certain lily species.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 3-4 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Moist meadows, grasslands, and the edges of forests in the Pacific Northwest
Other Names
Common Names: Suksdorf’s Camas, Great Camas, Leichtlin’s Camas, Large Camas, Camassie De Suksdorf
Scientific Names: , Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii, Camassia leichtlinii var. suksdorfii, Camassia suksdorfii, Camassia leichtlinii f. suksdorfii, Quamasia suksdorfii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Greenm.) Gould