SafePlants

Camassia leichtlinii

Also known as Great Camas, Large Camas, Quamash, Indian Hyacinth, Camash, and Wild Hyacinth.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions confusion with Death Camas (Zigadenus venenosus), which is a warning related to edibility. While not directly stating toxicity for pets, awareness of potential misidentification is important.
• The plant grows from a bulb.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Camassia leichtlinii (Baker) S.Watson
• Family: Liliaceae (Lily Family)
• Synonym: USDA Symbol: CALE5
• Subspecies: Camassia leichtlinii ssp. suksdorfii (Suksdorf's Large Camas, Leichtlin's Camas)
• Alternative Scientific Names Mentioned: Camassia leichtlinii (Bak.) S. Wats.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to meadows from central and northern California to British Columbia, Canada.
• Tends to grow at elevations from 2000-8000 feet.
• Historically found in large, natural camas prairies.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A bulb-forming perennial herb.
• Grows to 1 meter (3ft 3in) in height and 0.2 meters (0ft 8in) in width.
• Hardy to zone (UK) 3 and is not frost tender.
• In leaf around March 8th.
• Flowers in June.
• Characterized by dense, erect spikes of six-petalled, star-shaped violet flowers, resembling a fragrant bluebell.
• "Blue Danube" variety features linear leaves and a raceme inflorescence with violet star-shaped flowers.

Uses

• Edible bulb, can be eaten raw but when cooked it is said to be delicious.

Ecological Role

• Mentioned as being impacted by the introduction of cattle and swine by white settlers, which led to the destruction of many camas prairies.