Camassia leichtlinii
Camassia leichtlinii (Baker) S.Watson
Camassia leichtlinii is the largest and most dramatic camas species, producing tall spikes of deep blue-purple flowers in spring. It carries rich cultural significance as a vital food plant for Pacific Northwest indigenous peoples.
Asparagaceae (Asparagus family)
April to June (spring)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: camassias and white camass also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Great camas was one of the most important food plants in the Pacific Northwest, rivaling salmon and acorns in nutritional and cultural significance. Indigenous women managed camas prairies through careful harvesting practices and periodic burning, sustaining populations for millennia. Shimmering blue meadows of blooming camas were so striking that early European explorers mistook them for lakes. The plant remains a living symbol of indigenous ecological knowledge and sovereignty, and efforts to restore camas prairies are central to many tribal land stewardship programs today.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Needs consistent spring moisture; summer drought once foliage has died back is essential; do not overwater in summer as bulbs will rot
Soil
Moist, Well-drained in summer, Heavy clay-tolerant, Humus-rich, pH 6.0–7.5
Expert Growing Tips
Plant bulbs 3–4 inches deep in fall in humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil
Provide consistent moisture through spring; reduce watering once leaves start to die back
Allow seed capsules to mature before removing stems to encourage self-seeding
Distinguish from Common Camas by the way petals twist together over the fruit after blooming
Seasonal fires benefit wild populations by reducing competition, but this is not necessary in gardens
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Spring meadow and prairie borders
- Naturalized woodland edges
- Pollinator gardens and bee habitats
- Cut flowers (excellent vase life)
- Large-scale naturalistic landscape plantings
Traditional Uses
- Bulbs were a critical food staple for many Pacific Northwest indigenous peoples including the Nez Perce, Coast Salish, and Kalapuyan
- Bulbs were pit-roasted over many hours, converting inulin to fructose and giving the cooked bulb a sweet flavor reminiscent of baked sweet potato
- Processed bulbs were dried and pressed into cakes for long-term storage and trade
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Camassia leichtlinii
What is the difference between Camassia leichtlinii and Camassia quamash?
Great camas is generally taller and has more symmetrical flowers with tepals that curl together around the fruit after blooming. Common camas has slightly irregular flowers where the lowest tepal curves outward. Great camas bulbs also tend to sit deeper in the soil.
What does Camassia leichtlinii symbolize?
Great camas symbolizes abundance, communal nourishment, and indigenous heritage. It represents thousands of years of ecological stewardship by Pacific Northwest peoples who managed camas prairies as a primary food resource.
How do you grow Camassia leichtlinii?
Plant bulbs in fall in moist, humus-rich soil. Keep the site well-watered through spring and allow it to dry out in summer once the foliage has died back. It does well in heavy soils and will naturalize and self-seed over time.
Can you eat Camassia leichtlinii bulbs?
Yes, the bulbs are edible and were historically a major food source. They are best pit-roasted or boiled, which converts their inulin content into fructose, giving them a sweet flavor. Always identify with certainty before eating any bulb, as Death Camas is toxic and can be confused with camas species.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Camassia
Camassia spp. (incl. C. quamash, C. leichtlinii)
Camassia is a stately North American native bulb producing tall spikes of vivid blue, violet, or white star-shaped flowers in late spring. It symbolizes abundance, nourishment, and cultural heritage, especially within Indigenous North American traditions.
White Camas
Camassia quamash (white form)
White Camas is a rare white-flowering form of the beloved native bulb with star-shaped flowers on tall spikes. This stunning spring bloomer was a vital food source for indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest.
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.