Camassia quamash

Also Known As

Camassia esculenta
Camas Lily

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber, aquatic

size

H: 18"-36"
W: 6"-12"

planting zones

3a-9b

More Options

Camassia quamash plant details

Camassia quamash is a broadleaf deciduous perennial aquatic bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring and summer blue and lavender flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Camassia quamash

Plant type: perennial aquatic bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: liliaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 IN - 12 IN - wide, 18 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: blue and lavender blooms in spring and summer
Uses: border plant, cutting garden, summer dormant, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Camassia quamash

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Camassia quamash (syn. C. esculenta) is a gorgeous true blue BC native with starry lily-like flowers on slender stems in spring. It is a native of garry oak meadows and can take winter moisture and summer dry soils. It will go dormant by summer. Camas lily was an important food crop of the coastal First Nations. The consistency when cooked is like a gummy potato.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

In spring, swales in moist areas are made blue by the hyacinth-like spikes of these native bulbs. The bulb itself is "plump and nutritious, forming [for Indian cooks] a substitute for bread" (Lewis). S/M-W Dry in Summer

By: Forestfarm

There are a handful of plants that aren't commonly seen, and are surprisingly adaptable to gardens across most of the country. Camassia is one. Delivering 2-3 foot stems of starry blue-violet flowers with eye-catching gold stamen, these are excellent plants for hard to manage moist areas.

By: Leafari

With intensely blue, starry flowers in dense spikes in a carefree package the camas is a useful addition to gardens. It will gently reseed itself given light shade to full sun and some spring moisture. Dormancy starts in June so it is a great candidate for mixing with other perennials. 18 in. tall.