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(Camassia quamash)
Camas (Camassia quamash)
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Matt Lavin
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Matt Lavin
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Matt Lavin | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Matt Lavin | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Camassia quamash, commonly known as camas, small camas, common camas, common camash or quamash, is a perennial herb that is deciduous in nature. It is native to the moist meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands of western North America, including regions from British Columbia and Alberta to California, and eastward to Montana and Wyoming. Camassia quamash typically grows to a height of 12-30 inches (30-76 cm) with a similar spread. The plant features linear leaves and erect flowering stems bearing star-shaped flowers that range from pale blue to deep blue. The flowers bloom in a raceme from late spring to early summer, creating a showy display that can be quite striking when large numbers bloom together. The bulbs of Camassia quamash are notable for their historical culinary use by indigenous peoples.
Camassia quamash is valued for its ability to naturalize in gardens, creating swathes of blue-violet in the landscape. It is often used in borders, wildflower gardens, and as a part of naturalistic plantings. The plant prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter but can tolerate a range of soil conditions, including clay. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to slugs and snails. Camassia quamash is also deer-resistant, making it a good choice for areas with high deer populations. After flowering, the seed pods add additional interest to the garden.CC BY-SA 4.0
Camassia quamash is valued for its ability to naturalize in gardens, creating swathes of blue-violet in the landscape. It is often used in borders, wildflower gardens, and as a part of naturalistic plantings. The plant prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter but can tolerate a range of soil conditions, including clay. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to slugs and snails. Camassia quamash is also deer-resistant, making it a good choice for areas with high deer populations. After flowering, the seed pods add additional interest to the garden.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Hummingbird Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Moist meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands in western North America
Other Names
Common Names: Common Camas, Common Camash, Quamash
Scientific Names: , Camassia quamash, Quamasia quamash, Anthericum quamash, Camassia leichtlinii var. watsonii, Camassia quamash f. quamash, Phalangium quamash,
GBIF Accepted Name: Camassia quamash (Pursh) Greene