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small camas
Scientific Name: Camassia quamash ssp. breviflora
Family: Liliaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Camassia quamash: A Colorful Herb with a Rich History
Camassia quamash, commonly known as camas, small camas, common camas, common camash, or quamash, is a perennial herb that can create stunning displays of color when its flowers bloom in meadows.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- Edible Bulbs: The plant arises from an edible bulb.
- Look-alikes: Death camas (Zigadenus venenosus) can be confused with edible camas bulbs and is toxic.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Camassia quamash (Pursh) Greene
- Common Names: Camas, small camas, common camas, common camash, quamash, Indian camas, blue camas, swamp sego
- Family: Hyacinthaceae (Lily family - Liliaceae or Asparagaceae are also mentioned)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species; Subspecies (Camassia quamash subsp. quamash, and Camassia quamash ssp. breviflora are mentioned)
- Synonyms: C. esculenta
- Scientific Name Synonyms: None Known (explicitly stated)
Distribution and Habitat
Camassia quamash is native to North America and is found in moist meadows and on grassy slopes. It is specifically mentioned as native to moist meadows from British Columbia to northern California, Alberta, and Wyoming. Camassia quamash ssp. breviflora is found in Central and Northern California, primarily in the Warner region.
Morphological Characteristics
Camassia quamash ssp. breviflora, also known as common camas, is described as a stout, robust plant, typically 12-28 inches (30-70 cm) tall.