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Things to know
Sunlight requirements: Full sun
Characteristics: Purple star-shaped flowers and grass-like foliage
Bloom time: Late spring
Height: 12-24 inches
Soil conditions: Prefers moist soil
When to sow: Fall
Planting instructions: Direct sow seeds into weed-free soil. Seeds should be lightly raked into the soil.
Stratification requirements: 8 weeks
Life cycle: Perennial
Additional information: Common Camas takes 4-6 years to fully mature so flowering may not occur in the first few years.
Common Camas (Camassia quamash)
Common Camas (Camassia quamash) is a perennial wildflower native to North America, primarily found in moist meadows, grasslands, and open forests across the Pacific Northwest, including parts of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. This striking plant thrives in areas with well-drained, seasonally wet soils, often blooming in late spring. Ecologically, Common Camas plays a crucial role in its native habitats. Its vibrant blue to purple star-shaped flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Additionally, the plant's bulbs have been a traditional food source for many Indigenous peoples, who historically managed camas prairies through controlled burns to enhance bulb production. This practice not only promoted camas growth but also maintained the health of the ecosystem by preventing the overgrowth of woody plants. The plant has linear, grass-like leaves and tall flowering stems that can reach up to 2 feet in height. Each stem bears a cluster of showy, six-petaled flowers.
Overall, Common Camas is valued for its ecological benefits, cultural significance, and striking appearance, making it a key species in the landscapes it inhabits.
Wild Spaces Land Care is a Vancouver-based company focused on highlighting the importance of gardening with native species. We want to bring more attention to our native flora and make the plants more accessible to local gardeners. We source our seeds from suppliers around the PNW and ensure high quality seeds and industry standards for germination rates.