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small camas

Scientific Name: Camassia quamash ssp. intermedia

Family: Liliaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Camassia quamash: A Detailed Look

Camassia quamash, commonly known as camas, small camas, common camas, common camash, or quamash, is a perennial herb that can color entire meadows when in flower.

Considerations for Pets

  • Death camas (Zigadenus venenosus) can be confused with edible camas bulbs and is toxic. This highlights the importance of accurate plant identification.

Considerations for Children

  • Death camas (Zigadenus venenosus) can be confused with edible camas bulbs and is toxic. This highlights the importance of accurate plant identification.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Camassia quamash (Pursh) Greene
  • Common Names: Camas, Small Camas, Common Camas, Common Camash, Quamash, Indian Camas, Utah Small Camas, Walpole's Small Camas, Blue Camas, Swamp Sego
  • Family: Hyacinthaceae (sometimes also listed as Liliaceae or Asparagaceae, depending on the classification system)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: C. esculenta
  • Subspecies: Camassia quamash (Pursh) Greene subsp. quamash, Camassia quamash ssp. breviflora

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to North America, specifically western Canada and northern California.
  • Found in moist meadows and on grassy slopes.
  • Also reported in Alberta and Wyoming.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • The camas bulb was a vital food source for indigenous peoples of western North America.
  • Cultivation, processing, and trade of camas bulbs were significant practices.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial herb.
  • Common Camas (Camassia quamash ssp. breviflora) is a stout, robust plant, 12-28 inches (30-70 cm) tall.

Distinguishing Features

  • In small camas, five petals are carried more or less above a horizontal line, like a fan, while the sixth petal curves straight down.

Related Species

  • Leichtlin's Camas (C. leichtlinii) is another similar species, growing west of the specified area.
  • Death camas (Zigadenus venenosus) is often confused with edible camas.

Further Information

  • EDDMapS (Early Detection &amp Distribution Mapping System) is a resource for distribution information.
  • Wikipedia and Thesaurus entries provide additional information.