Camassia quamash
camas
A clump-forming bulbous perennial, growing to 80cm tall, with long, narrow basal leaves. In late spring and early summer, upright stems bear a dense spike of star-shaped blue flowers, up to 7cm across
Other common names
bear's grasscamash
see morecamass
camosh
common camassia
North American wild hyacinth
quamash
Synonyms
Camassia esculenta Lindl.Camassia teapeae
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Camassia are bulbous perennials with narrow, channelled leaves and erect racemes of star-shaped violet-blue or creamy-white flowers in early summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W USA, W Canada
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, deep, humus-rich, fertile soil. Intolerant of waterlogging and may need some protection from frosts in colder areas. Very good for naturalising in meadows. May have the potential to become a nuisance due to prolific self-seeding if not managed well
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe. Remove offsets when dormant in winter- see bulb propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back faded flower spike unless collecting seed
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.