Blue Wild Hyacinth
Camassia scilloides
Blue Wild Hyacinth is a graceful, fragrant, bulbous perennial native to the prairies, meadows, and open woodlands of central and eastern North America. Its soft spikes of pale blue, star-shaped flowers symbolize constancy, sustenance, and the quiet abundance of the spring landscape.
Asparagaceae (formerly Hyacinthaceae)
Mid to late spring (April-May; occasionally into June in northern range)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: white camass and camassia quamashs also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Blue Wild Hyacinth and its western relative Camassia quamash hold some of the deepest cultural significance of any wildflower in North American history. The bulbs were among the most important food staples for dozens of Indigenous nations across the continent. Control of camas prairies shaped diplomacy, warfare, and trade across the Great Plains and Pacific Northwest for centuries. Meriwether Lewis described vast fields of camas on the prairies as resembling "a lake of fine clear water." The flower's common name, Wild Hyacinth, reflects its resemblance to the cultivated Easter Hyacinth, with which it shares a long association with spring, rebirth, and the return of warmth and abundance after winter.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to part shade; best flowering in full sun; tolerates the light shade of open woodlands and savanna edges
Water
Regular moisture during spring growth and bloom; tolerates drier conditions after flowering as the plant heads into summer dormancy
Soil
Fertile, Moist, Well-drained, Rich loamy, Humus-rich, Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0)
Expert Growing Tips
Plant bulbs in fall, 4-6 inches deep and 6 inches apart, in a site where they can remain undisturbed
Mass plantings of at least 10-15 bulbs create the best visual impact
Do not confuse with death camas (Toxicoscordion nuttallii) -- the bulbs look similar but death camas is poisonous; wild hyacinth is edible
Plants develop slowly and may take up to 3 years from seed to flower; bulbs establish faster
Allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally after blooming; do not remove it early as it feeds the bulb for next year
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Spring bulb garden as a fragrant accent among other spring-blooming natives
- Prairie and meadow gardens planted in sweeping drifts of 15 or more bulbs
- Naturalized areas under deciduous trees where summer dormancy suits the conditions
- Cut flower arrangements -- a beautiful and fragrant spring stem
- Pollinator gardens for early-season bees and butterflies
Traditional Uses
- The bulbs were a significant, nutritious food source for many Indigenous peoples of central and eastern North America and for early European settlers -- consumed raw, roasted, boiled, or dried
- The bulb of the related western Camassia quamash was so important to the Nez Perce people that control of the camas prairies was a major cause of the Nez Perce War of 1877
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Blue Wild Hyacinth
What does blue wild hyacinth symbolize?
Blue Wild Hyacinth symbolizes constancy, sustenance, and quiet abundance. Its spring blooms have long been associated with renewal and faithfulness, while its bulbs' critical role as a food source for Indigenous peoples links it to themes of nourishment, generosity, and the deep relationship between people and the land.
Is wild hyacinth edible?
Yes -- the bulbs of Camassia scilloides are edible and were an important food source for many Indigenous peoples and early settlers. They can be eaten raw, roasted, boiled, or dried. However, be careful not to confuse it with the similar-looking death camas (Toxicoscordion nuttallii), whose bulbs are highly poisonous.
When does blue wild hyacinth bloom?
It blooms in mid to late spring, typically April through May, and occasionally into June in northern parts of its range. The star-shaped flowers open sequentially from the bottom of the spike to the top, with the whole raceme lasting 2-3 weeks.
How do you grow wild hyacinth bulbs?
Plant bulbs in fall, about 4-6 inches deep and 6 inches apart, in moist, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Leave them undisturbed and allow foliage to die back naturally after blooming. Mass plantings of 15 or more bulbs create the most striking display.
Is blue wild hyacinth related to common garden hyacinth?
They share a general resemblance but are not closely related. Wild hyacinth (Camassia scilloides) belongs to the family Asparagaceae and is native to North America, while common garden hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) is native to the eastern Mediterranean. The similar flower spike shape led to the shared common name.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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