Camassia quamash
Camassia quamash (Pursh) Greene
Camassia quamash is a perennial bulb native to western North America, celebrated for its vivid blue-violet star-shaped flowers and its profound importance as a food staple for indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest.
Asparagaceae (Asparagus family)
April to June (spring)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: white camass and rocky mountain bee plants also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Common camas holds immense cultural and historical significance. It was one of the most important food plants for indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest and was a staple traded at gatherings and feasts. Camas prairies were so vast that Lewis and Clark described them as resembling blue lakes when in bloom. Disputes over camas lands contributed to tensions that led to the Nez Perce and Bannock Wars in the 19th century, illustrating how deeply tied the plant was to indigenous sovereignty and survival.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Requires consistent moisture in spring; tolerates seasonal drought once leaves have dried back in summer
Soil
Moist, Seasonally wet, Clay-tolerant, Silt, Humus-rich, pH 6.0–7.5
Expert Growing Tips
Plant bulbs in fall in moist, humus-rich soil
Choose a site that stays moist in spring but dries somewhat in summer
Allow foliage to die back naturally before removing
Propagate by seed or by dividing bulb offsets in fall
Take care not to confuse with the toxic Death Camas (Zigadenus or Anticlea species) when collecting bulbs
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Spring meadow and prairie plantings
- Pollinator and bee gardens
- Moist borders and rain gardens
- Naturalized woodland edges
- Cut flower arrangements
Traditional Uses
- Bulbs were a primary food source for many Pacific Northwest indigenous peoples including the Nez Perce, Lummi, Blackfoot, and Coast Salish
- Bulbs were pit-roasted or boiled; cooked bulbs taste similar to sweet potato and contain inulin, a prebiotic fiber
- Bulbs were also dried, ground into flour, and used for baking or as a food thickener
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Camassia quamash
What does Camassia quamash symbolize?
Common camas symbolizes sustenance, community, and cultural heritage. For indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, it represented abundance and survival, and camas prairies were considered sacred resources tied to land sovereignty.
Is Camassia quamash edible?
Yes, the bulbs are edible and nutritious. They were historically pit-roasted or boiled by indigenous peoples and taste similar to sweet potato. However, they must not be confused with the highly toxic Death Camas, which looks similar.
When does Common Camas bloom?
Camassia quamash blooms from April to June depending on elevation and latitude, producing spectacular displays of blue-violet star-shaped flowers in moist meadows and prairies.
How do you grow Camassia quamash?
Plant bulbs in fall in moist, humus-rich soil in a spot that receives spring moisture. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and naturalize easily, spreading slowly over time.
What is the difference between Camassia quamash and Death Camas?
Common Camas has blue to purple flowers with yellow anthers, while Death Camas (a different genus entirely) has white or cream flowers. Distinguishing them by flower is the safest method, as the bulbs look very similar.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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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.
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant
Cleome serrulata (syn. Peritoma serrulata)
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant is a vibrant native wildflower of the American West celebrated for its showy pink-purple blooms and deep cultural roots among Indigenous peoples. It symbolizes community, pollination, and the sacred bond between plants and people.
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.