Atlantic Camas

(Camassia scilloides)

Atlantic Camas (Camassia scilloides)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Camassia scilloides, commonly known as Atlantic Camas, is a deciduous perennial herb native to moist meadows, open woodlands, and along streambanks in the Central and Eastern United States. It typically grows 20–60 cm (7.9–23.6 in) in height, with a bulb 1–3 centimeters (0.39–1.18 in) wide. The plant features linear leaves and erect inflorescences up to half a meter tall. Atlantic Camas blooms in late spring to early summer, producing showy spikes of star-shaped flowers with light blue or whitish tepals and contrasting yellow anthers. The resulting fruit is a green or brown capsule, up to a centimeter long, divided into three parts.

Atlantic Camas is valued for its attractive blooms and is often used in naturalistic plantings, such as meadow gardens and borders, where it can naturalize. It is also suitable for rain gardens due to its tolerance for moist conditions. While it prefers full sun or part shade, it is adaptable to various soil types, provided they offer medium or slow drainage. Gardeners should be aware that while generally low-maintenance, the plant can suffer from bulb rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, 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., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Moist meadows, open woodlands, and along streambanks

Other Names

Common Names: Wild Hyacinth, Eastern Camas, Präriehyacint

Scientific Names: , Camassia scilloides, Camassia esculenta, Camassia fraseri, Schoenolirion texanum, Scilla fraseri, Camassia hyacinthina, Quamasia hyacinthina, Scilla esculenta, Camassia scilloides f. petersenii

GBIF Accepted Name: Camassia scilloides (Raf.) Cory