Camassia leichtlinii

Common Names

Large Camas, Quamash, Great Camas, Leichtlin's Camas, Wild Hyacinth, Camas

Summary

Camassia leichtlinii, commonly called Leichtlin’s camas or Great camas, is a North American native bulbous perennial in the Asparagaceae that forms a basal rosette of long, narrow leaves and sends tall flowering stems about 60–120 cm high with spike-like inflorescences bearing star-shaped blue to violet flowers (occasionally white) with six tepals and yellow stamens; tepals twist together over the ovary after blooming. It grows in moist meadows and related wet habitats in western North America, flowering in late spring to early summer and providing a striking display for pollinators.

It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, tolerates a range of soils including heavy clay, and bulbs are planted about 7–10 cm deep in autumn; the plant can naturalize and spread in suitable conditions. In cultivation, propagate by bulbs or seeds; it works in borders, meadows, prairie plantings, banks and slopes, and is generally pest- and disease-free; avoid long-term deep shade and distinguish from death camas when identifying.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-4 feet

Spread

4-20 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained loamy soil that retains moisture

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil pH

Acidic to alkaline

Bloom Color

Blue to purple

Bloom Time

Late Spring to Early Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

2–5 years to reach its ultimate height

Seasons of Interest

Spring

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies