Great camas Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii Caerulea Group
ABOUT
Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii Caerulea Group, commonly known as the Great Camas, is a perennial bulbous plant that features a striking floral display. The plant showcases dense racemes of star-shaped flowers with a delightful blue hue. Each flower consists of six petals that radiate outwards, creating an attractive and symmetrical form. The flowers are borne atop upright, sturdy stems that emerge from a base of linear, strap-like leaves. The leaves have a lush, green coloration and tend to have a somewhat pleated or ridged texture, adding to the plant's visual interest even when it is not in bloom. The Great Camas blooms in the late spring to early summer period, producing flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The blossoms can create a dramatic visual impact when planted in groups, often used in gardens to add a splash of color in the landscape. After the flowering season, the plant produces seed capsules, which eventually open to release the seeds. The overall appearance of the Great Camas is one of elegance and simplicity, with its appealing flowers and linear foliage combining to offer a captivating sight during its blooming season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Great Camas, Large Camas, Leichtlin's Camas, Quamash, Wild Hyacinth
Common names
Camassia leichtlinii var. suksdorfii, Camassia suksdorfii.
ToxicityTo humans
The Great Camas is not significantly toxic to humans when properly cooked. However, the bulbs of the Great Camas contain inulin, which can be difficult to digest for some people, leading to intestinal discomfort and gas. Eating the raw bulbs is not recommended as they might cause digestive upset and are hard to digest. It's also essential to distinguish between Great Camas and Death Camas, as the latter is highly toxic. Mistaking Death Camas for Great Camas can lead to severe poisoning, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and even life-threatening issues if not treated.
To pets
Great Camas is not known to be highly toxic to pets, but as with humans, the raw bulbs may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. As pets often have different sensitivities and may react differently to various plants than humans, it is generally wise to prevent pets from ingesting this plant. It is essential to ensure that pets do not confuse Great Camas with the highly toxic Death Camas. If a pet ingests Death Camas, symptoms could include salivation, vomiting, weakness, respiratory failure, and possibly death, necessitating immediate veterinary attention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Camas lily provides nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Ornamental Value: With its attractive, star-shaped blue flowers, camas lily adds aesthetic value to gardens and landscaped areas.
- Low Maintenance: Camas lily is easy to grow and requires minimal upkeep once established, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-conserving gardens.
- Naturalizing: Camas lily can spread by seed, creating natural drifts of color in meadow gardens or naturalistic plantings.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant can provide habitat and food for wildlife, such as a food source for certain caterpillars of Lepidoptera species.
- Culinary History: While not recommendable without proper identification and knowledge, the bulbs of some Camassia species were traditionally harvested and eaten by Indigenous peoples of North America.
- Seasonal Interest: Camas lily blooms in spring, providing seasonal interest and color after the winter months.
- Historical Significance: The plant has cultural importance and a historical role in the diet of Native Americans, which can be a point of educational interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Great Camas bulbs were historically used as a source of food by Indigenous peoples of North America; they would roast or boil the bulbs, which are high in inulin.
- The flowers can be used to create a natural dye, offering a range of colors depending on the mordant used in the dyeing process.
- In garden design, Great Camas is utilized for its tall, star-shaped blue flowers to create vertical accents in perennial borders.
- Camassia leichtlinii is a good choice for naturalizing in meadows or grassy areas as it can be left undisturbed to multiply over the years.
- The plant can be integrated into rain gardens since it tolerates moist conditions and can help in managing runoff.
- Great Camas serves as an educational tool in botanical and ecological studies due to its role in native plant restoration and pollinator support.
- When planted in mass, the blooms can provide a visual guide to delineate pathways or borders within a landscape without the need for actual physical barriers.
- The plant can be used in cut flower arrangements, adding height and a striking blue hue to floral designs.
- Great Camas can be planted to help prevent soil erosion on slopes or banks because of its clumping root system.
- It offers habitat and food for wildlife, especially for pollinators like bees when used in conservation landscaping.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Camas lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Camas lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance: Camassia, also known as great camas, is known for its ability to thrive in tough conditions, symbolizing the ability to persist through challenges.
- Adaptability: The great camas has a flexible nature, being able to grow in various environments, making it a symbol of adaptability and versatility.
- Natural beauty: With its striking blue flowers, the great camas represents natural beauty and the appreciation of unadorned elegance.
- Peace: The soothing blue color of the great camas blooms is often associated with tranquility and peace.
- Harmony with nature: As an indigenous plant traditionally harvested by Native American tribes, great camas symbolizes a harmonious relationship with the earth and its resources.
WaterFor the Great Camas, water thoroughly to establish the bulbs in their first growing season, which means weekly irrigation of about 1.5 gallons per plant if there is no significant rainfall. After establishment, they are quite drought-tolerant and may only need supplemental watering during extended dry periods. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged during the growing season. During the dormant season, after the leaves have died back, reduce watering significantly to prevent rot.
LightThe Great Camas prefers full sun to light shade. The ideal spot would be a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. However, it can also thrive in spots with dappled sunlight or partial shade, especially in hot climates where it can benefit from protection from the intense afternoon sun.
TemperatureGreat Camas is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, from approximately 10°F in the winter to about 95°F in the summer. The ideal growing temperatures are between 50°F and 75°F. It is crucial to protect the bulbs from freezing temperatures below 10°F, which can cause damage.
PruningPruning is not typically necessary for Great Camas, but spent flower stalks can be cut back after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance. Allow the foliage to die back naturally, as this helps the bulbs store energy for the next growing season. Dead leaves should only be removed once they have completely yellowed and dried.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Large Camas (Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii Caerulea Group) prefers a soil mix that is rich, moist but well-draining, and with a neutral to slightly acidic pH around 6.0-7.0. A blend of loamy soil, peat moss, and sharp sand would make an ideal soil mix, as it would provide both the required nutrients and drainage.
RepottingLarge Camas doesn't typically require frequent repotting as it is often grown from bulbs that can be left undisturbed for several years. If the bulbs become overcrowded, they can be repotted or divided after the flowering period ends, which might be every three to five years.
Humidity & MistingLarge Camas is not particularly humidity dependent, but it thrives best in outdoor environments where it would experience the naturally occurring fluctuations of atmospheric moisture. Thus, average outdoor humidity levels are suitable for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure good light, cool room, and well-draining soil for indoor Large Camas.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, in moist, fertile soil for outdoor Large Camas.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleCamassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii Caerulea Group, commonly known as Great Camas, begins its life as a bulb, which germinates in autumn, leveraging cool temperatures and moisture to develop roots and anchor itself in the soil. In early spring, foliage emerges as strap-like green leaves, followed by stalks that rise up bearing star-shaped flowers, typically in shades of blue or violet, which bloom in late spring to early summer. After pollination, which is often aided by bees, the plant forms seed capsules which eventually dry and release seeds. The foliage dies back in summer after the plant has bloomed and seeded, retreating into dormancy during hot, dry periods. Bulbs in dormancy can survive underground for several years, thus allowing the plant to endure through unfavorable conditions. When environmental conditions are suitable again, typically in the cooler and wetter months of the following year, the cycle repeats as new foliage emerges from the perennial bulbs.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Propogation: The Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii Caerulea Group, commonly known as the Great Camas, is typically propagated by dividing its bulbs. This is most often done in the fall after the leaves have died back, reflecting the plant’s natural dormancy cycle. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clumps of bulbs and gently separate them by hand, ensuring each division has at least one growth point or bud. Replant the bulbs immediately at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters), spaced around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart to give each new plant enough room to grow. This method enables the gardener to multiply their stock of Great Camas while maintaining the genetic characteristics of the parent plant. It is a straightforward and effective means of propagation for this species.
