Wild hyacinth, Blue Camass, Leichtlin's camass
Camassia leichtlinii
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
A bulb plant. It grows 75-140 cm high and 10-15 cm wide. The leaves are narrow and strap shaped. The flowers are on long straight stems. The flowers colour varies. They can be white to violet or blue. The flowers are star shaped. They are 3-5 cm wide. The flowers are in rows along the upright stems.
There are 6 Camassia species. All Camass species are poisonous. Also put in the family Hyacinthaceae.
Where it is found
It is frost hardy. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It needs humus rich and moist soil. The soil should not be waterlogged. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Canada, North America, Tasmania, USA
How it is used for food
The bulbs were eaten baked or boiled. They can be eaten raw or used in pies. They can be dried and stored. They can be boiled down to molasses.
It is an important root crop.
Edible parts
Root, bulb
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by dividing the clump of bulbs. The bulbs are planted 10-15 cm deep and plants spaced 15-25 cm apart.
Its other names
Local names
Camash, Indian hyacinth, Quamash