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Extra notes
and interesting information:
 When
it flowers in early spring, camas produces large fields of
blue that, from a distance, resemble pools of water. |
Camas has been one of the most significant staples and
monetary plants of Western Indians. The bulbs are dug in
spring but care must be taken not to collect death camas
(Zigadenus venenosus). Camas bulbs are either cooked,
producing a sweet gummy taste, or dried for later use. |
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References:
Brenzel,
Kathleen Norris, Ed. 2001. Sunset Western Garden Book. Sunset
Publishing Corporation, Menlo Park, CA.
Pojar, Jim &
MacKinnon, Andy. 1994. Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast.
Lone Pine Publishing, Vancouver, BC.
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at
a glance:
Common Name:
Camas
Plant type:
Perennials from bulbs
Family:
Liliaceae
Height/Spread:
Slow growing to 5 ft. high. Spread is 1
to 1.5 ft.
Leaves:
Numerous, basal, grass-like, to 2 cm
wide and 50 cm long
Flowers:
Pale to dark blue, to 3.5 cm long; 5 to
many in a terminal spike
Bloom Period:
Spring
Disease/pests: No
serious insect or disease problems. Plants are strong and seldom need
support.
Conditions:
Easily grown in average, medium-wet,
well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers a moist, fertile, acidic,
somewhat heavy soil where plants can remain undisturbed for years.
Natural Range:
Pacific Northwest
Hardiness:
Zones (Sunset) 1-9, 14-17
Location:
Alongside the gravel path near the
perennial border |
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