Large Camas, Leichtlin's Camas, Cream Camas, White Camas
Camassia leichtlinii
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Camassia leichtlinii bulbs are edible when properly cooked. They can be baked, boiled, or roasted. Native Americans traditionally pit-baked the bulbs for long periods. The flowers attract pollinators and the plant can be used in naturalized meadow plantings. It is important to distinguish Camassia from toxic look-alikes, particularly Death Camas (Toxicoscordion venenosum). Several cultivars exist with varying flower colors and forms.
Permapeople description
Camassia leichtlinii, the great camas or large camas, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae. This herbaceous perennial is native to western North America in British Columbia, Canada and California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, in the United States.
Great camas is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows from a bulb. It can grow 24–48 inches (61–122 cm) tall. Leaves are long and narrow, stemming from the basal rosette. The inflorescence is a spike-like cluster on a leafless stem that is held above the leaves. It can be mistaken for the more common Camassia quamash, which has an overlapping range.
Botanical description
Camassia leichtlinii is a perennial bulbous plant in the family Asparagaceae. It grows from a tunicate bulb. The plant produces a basal rosette of strap-like leaves. A tall raceme of star-shaped flowers is produced in late spring or early summer. The flowers are typically creamy white to pale yellow, though variations in color exist including blue and purple in some cultivars. Each flower has six tepals (three petals and three sepals that look alike). The fruit is a capsule containing numerous black seeds. The plant reaches a height of 2 to 4 feet.
Companion planting
Camassia leichtlinii prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It pairs well with other meadow plants that prefer similar conditions. Avoid planting near plants that require very dry conditions or compete aggressively for resources. Its companionship with other wildflowers and native grasses in a meadow setting is generally beneficial.
Propagation methods
Propagation is primarily by seed, bulb offsets (division), or by carefully separating small bulblets that form around the parent bulb. Seeds require a period of cold stratification to germinate properly. Bulb offsets can be separated and replanted in the fall.
History and traditions
Camassia leichtlinii was a significant food source for indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. The bulbs were traditionally pit-baked, a process that converts complex carbohydrates into digestible sugars. The lengthy cooking process was also important to neutralize any potentially toxic compounds present in the raw bulbs. The plant played an important role in trade and cultural practices.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer (May-July). Bulbs are best harvested in late summer or early fall after the foliage has died back. Planting of bulbs is best done in the fall. Seed sowing is best done in the fall or early winter to allow for cold stratification. Pruning is not typically required, but deadheading spent flower stalks can improve appearance.