Western Camass, Quamash, Camass lily
Camassia quamash

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A plant with a bulb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 25-90 cm high and 10-15 cm wide. It has grass-like leaves. It forms large clumps. The leaves are blue-green and 50 cm long. They all grow from the base and are 5-15 mm wide. The flower spikes are blue. The flowers are 5 cm across. The flowers are star shaped. The fruit are dry capsules with shiny black seeds. The bulbs are 3-5 cm across. The bulb is edible.

It is low in starch and high in sugar. There are 6 Camassia species. Also put in the family Hyacinthaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. Plants can grow in full sun or light shade. It does best in moist but not waterlogged soil. It is resistant to frost and sensitive to drought. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, Europe, France, North America (country/location of origin), Slovenia, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The bulbous root is eaten raw, boiled or baked. They can be used in pies. They can be boiled down to a syrup or pounded into cakes that are sun dried for future use. Caution: This plant should not be confused with death camass (Zigadenus venenosus).

An important food of native Americans.

Edible parts

Root, bulb

How it is grown

The bulbs are planted 10 cm deep and plants spaced 20-25 cm apart.

Its other names

Local names

Blue Quamas, Camosh, Common Camass, Navadni kamas, Paazigo, Swamp sego, Wild hyacinth

Synonyms

Camassia esculenta Lindl. not Rob.;