Camas Camassia

Camassia is a genus of herbaceous bulbous plants in the asparagus family and is commonly known as camas, quamash, and wild hyacinth. The plant is a perennial and species of the plant can often be found growing wild in great numbers in moist meadows. In summer, a multi-flowered stem will rise above the main plant and display flowers that vary in color by species from pale lilac or white to a deep purple or blue-violet. When in flower, the plant can appear as a blanket of color across an entire meadow. Once planted, they will usually bloom for many years.

Camassia tolerates wet and heavy soils and grows best in full sun or up to 25% shade. The plant is relatively cold-hardy, but will sustain damage if temperatures dip below 23 degrees F. The plant can be propogated by division in the fall after the leaves have withered or by replanting the bulbs in the fall to a depth of 8 inches. To store bulbs, keep them in a dry location where temperatures will be not lower than 68 degrees F. The bulbs are also known to be edible and were an important food source for indigenous peoples.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:  No known problems with this plant.  The NC State Extension Publications list includes a factsheet on the Narcissus Bulb Fly which is known to frequent this plant.