SafePlants

Camassia leichtlinii

Also known as great camas, large camas, quamash, Indian hyacinth, camash, and wild hyacinth, Camassia leichtlinii is a striking perennial herb native to western North America.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• 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)

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions Death Camas (Zigadenus venenosus) can be confused with edible camas bulbs. Although not explicitly stated that Camassia leichtlinii is toxic, exercise caution due to the possibility of confusion.

Description

• Imagine a fragrant bluebell with dense, erect spikes of six-petalled, star-shaped violet flowers.
• It grows from a bulb to a height of about 1 meter (3ft 3in) and a width of 0.2 meters (0ft 8in).
• It's a reliably perennial lily relative.
• The leaves are linear.
• The inflorescence is a raceme.

Distribution and Habitat

• Large Camas is native to meadows from central and northern California to British Columbia, Canada.
• It tends to grow at elevations from 2000-8000 feet.
• The text mentions the Columbia River Gorge as a location where it can be seen.

Cultivation

• Hardy to zone (UK) 3 and is not frost tender.
• It is in leaf in early March and flowers from June.
• Seeds can be sown at any time, covered with compost or grit 5mm deep.

Ecological Role

• The text indicates that many natural camas prairies were destroyed as white settlers brought cattle and swine to the area.

Quirky Facts

• Historically, Nez Perce families traveled to large camas meadows to harvest the onion-shaped bulbs.
• The bulbs are edible, and while they can be eaten raw, they are said to be delicious when cooked.