Cusick's camass Camassia cusickii

Cusick’s camass is a perennial bulb in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) native to northeast Oregon and western Idaho but is planted as an ornamental throughout the United States. It is found in damp meadows and along ponds at lower elevations. The Genus name is derived from the Native American Indian name of kamas or quamash for a genus plant whose bulb was once used by native Americans as a food source. The specific epithet refers to William Conklin Cusick, a self-taught American botanist.

It grows 2 to 3 feet tall in moist, fertile, acidic, humusy, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Plant bulbs in the fall 4 to 6 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Propagation is by dividing bulb offsets or seeds that are plant in a pot as soon as they are mature. The plant starts going dormant in the heat of summer, reducing water needs.

In spring to early summer, tall clusters of star-shaped pale blue flowers appear on stout willowy stems. The flowers open bottom to top of the raceme.

Use this plant in a naturalized setting, along pond margins or in borders or groups of a cottage garden.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems.

More information on Camassia.