| These lovely blue starlike lilies provide a graceful accent in borders and by ponds and streams. Some hardier species will naturalize in a wild garden. Although Camassia quamash is a native American staple which saved countless pioneers from starvation on the Oregon Trail, wild-food enthusiasts must avoid the poisonous, white-flowered 'Death Camas' that grows alongside the blue camas lilies. Likes full sun, with some shade in hot climates. Needs deep, fertile, very moist soil. Camassia biflora, a native of dry rocky habitats, will tolerate drier soil. Plant bulbs in cold days of late fall so they will not root until spring. Protect with mulch through lengthy cold spells. Grow more from seed or divide well-established clumps. |
Clusters of starry flowers are a deep true blue. 'Orion' and 'San Juan Form' have even deeper blue flowers. Raw, boiled, or baked, it has been compared to onions, potatoes, figs, and gingerbread.
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Attributes - Camassia quamash
Plant Type: Bulb
Bloom Season: Late Spring through Mid Summer
Flower Color: Blue, Purple, White
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 10 in. to 2 ft. 8 in.
Width: 1 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Climate: Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Notes: Thrives in Wet Soil.
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