Camassia Quamasii

Description

Camassia quamash – common camas

Botanical name: Camassia quamash
Common names: Quamash, common camas
Family: Asparagaceae
Plant type: Bulbous perennial
Habit: Upright, with tall flower spikes
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 30–60cm tall × 15cm spread
Foliage: Strap-shaped green leaves that die back after flowering; deciduous
Flowers: Spikes of starry, deep blue to violet-blue flowers in late spring to early summer (May–June)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Fertile, moist, moisture-retentive; tolerates heavier and damp soils, unlike most bulbs; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 4–8
Exposure: Sheltered or open
Native range: Species native to North America
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Camassia quamash, common camas, is a bulbous perennial with spikes of starry deep blue-violet flowers in late spring. Shorter and superb for naturalising in grass, damp meadows and the front of moist borders.

GardenAdvice notes

A beautiful and easy bulbous perennial, camassia (or quamash) produces tall, elegant spikes of starry flowers in late spring and early summer, above strap-shaped foliage. Unusually for a bulb, it thrives in heavier, moisture-retentive and even damp soils, which makes it superb for naturalising in grass and damp meadows, as well as in borders, where its tall flower spikes add valuable early height and grace.

Growing & planting

Plant in autumn or spring in fertile, moisture-retentive soil in full sun to partial shade — unlike most bulbs it tolerates heavier and damp ground, so it is excellent in a damp border or naturalised in grass and meadows. Space appropriately for its size. Water while establishing.

Care & maintenance

Very low-maintenance. Allow the foliage to die down naturally after flowering, as it feeds the bulb for next year — if naturalised in grass, delay the first cut until the leaves have yellowed. Leave the seed heads for interest and gentle self-seeding, or remove them. Established clumps can be lifted and divided when congested.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide congested clumps, separating the bulbs, after the foliage dies down.
• Seed: Can be raised from seed and often self-seeds gently, though seedlings take a few years to flower.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free and easy, tolerating conditions that defeat many bulbs. Rarely troubled by pests or diseases in a suitable moist, sunny spot.

Uses in the garden

Superb naturalised in grass, damp meadows and orchard grass, and in moist borders, where its tall spikes of starry flowers bring valuable height and grace in late spring and early summer; the seed heads are attractive too.

Wildlife value

The flowers are a valuable late-spring source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects.

Toxicity & safety

Camassia is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

Camassia quamash is the shorter, more compact camas — its deep blue-violet star spikes are perfect for naturalising in grass and damp meadows, or towards the front of a moist border. It’s the classic quamash of North American damp meadows; give it moisture-retentive soil, let it seed around gently, and delay the meadow’s first cut until the leaves have died back.

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