Great camas Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) 'Maybelle'
ABOUT
The 'Maybelle', belonging to the Camas or Wild Hyacinth group, is a striking flowering plant known for its stunning display of large, star-shaped flowers. The blossoms, emerging in the spring, present themselves in a captivating deep blue to violet shade, occasionally displaying a hint of cream or white at the petal's base, adding a touch of contrast. These vibrant blooms are grouped densely along a tall, strong stem, forming an elongated cluster that resembles a spike. The foliage of the 'Maybelle' is equally attractive, with long, slender leaves that gracefully arch outwards from the base. These leaves are a lush green in color, providing a perfect backdrop to showcase the vivid floral display above them. The overall form of the plant is clump-forming, with the leaves and flowering spikes together creating a rounded, bouquet-like effect that is both elegant and naturalistic in appearance. As the season progresses, the striking flowers eventually give way to seed capsules, which also hold an ornamental value of their own. The entirety of the 'Maybelle', from its luxurious leaves to its eye-catching flowers, exudes a charm that is quintessential to cottage gardens and naturalized meadows, making it a prized addition to any garden setting focused on beauty and biodiversity.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Large Camas, Great Camas, Leichtlin's Camass, Suksdorf's Camass, Wild Hyacinth
Common names
Camassia cusickii 'Maybelle', Camassia leichtlinii 'Maybelle'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) 'Maybelle' is Wild Hyacinth. Wild Hyacinth is not typically known for being toxic to humans. However, it is important to note that many plant species can cause unwanted reactions in certain individuals due to allergies or sensitivities, so it is always best to exercise caution and avoid eating or handling unfamiliar plants. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
To pets
Wild Hyacinth can be toxic to pets if ingested. Symptoms of Wild Hyacinth poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious symptoms such as increased heart rate and changes in respiration. If you suspect your pet has ingested Wild Hyacinth, it is important to seek immediate veterinary care to provide the necessary treatment.
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- Aesthetic Appeal: The 'Maybelle' variety of Camassia has striking blue-violet flowers that add a splash of color to gardens in the spring.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it suitable for busy gardeners or those seeking a more naturalized landscape.
- Naturalizing: This plant can spread over time, creating vibrant drifts of color in meadows, woodland gardens, and naturalized areas.
- Tolerance of Moist Conditions: Camassia is well-adapted to withstand moist conditions, ideal for areas in the garden that have wetter soils.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is typically resistant to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer are a common problem.
- Hardiness: It is hardy and can survive cold winters, withstanding harsh temperatures in many climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Bulbs: The bulbs of Great Camas have historically been consumed by indigenous people as a food source when roasted or boiled.
- Naturalizing Landscapes: The plant is often used in naturalized gardens or meadows where its ability to propagate lends to a sustainable and low-maintenance landscape solution.
- Pollinator Attraction: The blossoms of Great Camas attract bees and butterflies, making them valuable additions to pollinator gardens.
- Photography Subject: Due to its striking blue flowers, Great Camas is a popular subject for botanical photographers and nature art.
- Educational Tool: This plant can be used in educational settings to teach about edible native plants and the significance of these plants to indigenous cultures.
- Dye Production: Historically, some parts of camas plants have been used to create natural dyes for textiles.
- Architectural Inspiration: The strong vertical lines and clustered blooms of Great Camas have inspired various aspects of design in architecture and landscape architecture.
- Culinary Exhibitions: The bulbs can be featured in culinary exhibitions or historical demonstrations to showcase traditional food preparation methods.
- Cutting Gardens: Great Camas can be used in cutting gardens for creating wildflower arrangements and bouquets.
- Liturgical Uses: In some cultures, the flowers might be used in ceremonies or as offerings due to their distinctive and alluring presence.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe camass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe camass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Persistence: Camassia, also known as Wild Hyacinth, often symbolizes persistence because it is capable of thriving in various environments and continues to bloom year after year.
- Adaptability: Due to its ability to adapt to different conditions, the Wild Hyacinth signifies adaptability and resilience in life.
- Transformation: As Camassia transforms the landscapes with its bright, star-shaped flowers, it represents transformation and the beauty of change.
- Hope: The blossoming of Wild Hyacinth in spring brings with it the symbol of hope, signaling the end of winter and the start of new growth.
- Purity: The striking blue flowers of the Camassia suggest purity and cleanliness, commonly associated with the color blue in nature.
WaterThe Large Camas 'Maybelle' prefers consistent moisture, especially during its growing season in spring and early summer. It should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Depending on the weather and soil drainage, this could amount to about 1-2 gallons of water per week. During the dormant period after flowering, watering can be reduced significantly, and the plant should be kept relatively dry.
LightThe Large Camas 'Maybelle' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It will do well in a location that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. If planted under too much shade, the plant may not bloom as prolifically. The ideal spot is one that gets bright, indirect light in the afternoon to protect it from the intense heat of the day.
TemperatureLarge Camas 'Maybelle' is hardy to a range of temperatures and can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. It can tolerate summer highs up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit but would benefit from mulching to keep the roots cool.
PruningPruning of Large Camas 'Maybelle' is not required for the health of the plant, but spent flower stems can be cut back after blooming to keep the garden tidy. Pruning is best done in late fall or early winter, after the leaves have died back. This timing prevents unnecessary stress on the plant and helps it conserve energy for the next growing season.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Camassia, commonly known as the Wild Hyacinth or in this case 'Maybelle', is a well-draining, rich loam with added organic matter. The soil pH should ideally be in the range of 5.5 to 7.0. A mixture comprising two parts loam, one part peat or leaf mold, and one part sharp sand or perlite can promote healthy growth and flowering.
RepottingWild Hyacinth 'Maybelle' typically does not need frequent repotting as it is often grown from bulbs, which prefer to be undisturbed. Repotting can be done every 3-4 years or when you notice a significant decrease in flowering, which indicates that the bulbs have become crowded.
Humidity & MistingWild Hyacinth 'Maybelle' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to various conditions. As it is naturally found in meadows and open woodlands, it does not require the high humidity levels that some other plants might.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temperatures, and moist, rich soil.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, moist, fertile soil, plant in fall.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleGreat Camas 'Maybelle' starts its life as a seed, which upon germination, develops into a small bulb. This bulb undergoes vegetative growth to produce linear leaves and eventually elongates to form a tall flowering stalk in the spring. The plant showcases starry blue-violet flowers that attract pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination, the flowers develop into three-celled capsules, each containing several black seeds. Once the seeds mature, they are dispersed to begin a new cycle, while the parent bulb goes dormant after the foliage withers in summer. The bulb will re-sprout the following season, continuing its perennial lifecycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) 'Maybelle', commonly known as Large Camas, involves dividing the bulbs. This is typically done in the fall after the foliage has died back. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate them, making sure that each division has at least one growth point. Replant the bulbs immediately at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) in well-draining soil, spaced approximately 8 inches (20 cm) apart to allow ample room for growth. Water the newly planted bulbs thoroughly to help settle the soil around them. This straightforward process will encourage clumping and result in more robust bloom displays in subsequent seasons.
