Cussick's camas
Camassia cusickii
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. E124 — Camassia cusickii
Camassia cusickiiCamassia cusickiiCamassia cusickiiCamassia cusickiiCamassia cusickiiCamassia cusickiiCamassia cusickiiCamassia cusickiiCamassia cusickiiCamassia cusickiiCamassia cusickiiCamassia cusickiiCamassia cusickiiCamassia cusickii
IOverview
Overview
Cussick's camas (Camassia cusickii) is a flowering bulb plant native to Idaho and Oregon, where it thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun. This forb/herb grows up to 0.9 meters tall and is known for its edible roots, which have been an important food source for indigenous peoples. The plant features distinctive white or pale lavender flowers that form a striking cluster at the top of each stem, making it a notable ornamental addition to gardens. Its adaptability to various soil types and hardiness across zones 3-11 make Cussick's camas a valuable native species in both natural habitats and cultivated landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Cussick's camas?
Cussick's camas (Camassia cusickii) is a flowering bulb plant native to Idaho and Oregon, where it thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun. This forb/herb grows up to 0.9 meters tall and is known for its edible roots, which have been an important food source for indigenous peoples.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cussick's camas thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that is light (sandy) or medium. Hardy from zones 3-11, it can be propagated through bulbs. The plant grows up to 0.9 meters tall and is native to Idaho and Oregon. Its edible parts are the roots, making it a valuable addition for those interested in foraging or gardening with edibles.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-11
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.9 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Cussick's camas for the first time
8steps
Start with Cussick's camas by planting it in a sunny spot and ensuring proper soil conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
Cussick's camas bulbs, well-draining soil, mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Cussick's camas in early fall or late winter.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light (sandy) to medium with good drainage. Amend as needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs 10-15 cm deep, spacing them about 20 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the planted area regularly until sprouts appear.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full to partial sun and keep soil moist. Fertilize sparingly in spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
After flowering, cut back spent flowers but leave foliage intact for photosynthesis.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, overwatering, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough sunlight, and using heavy fertilizers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The roots of Cussick's camas are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often prepared by boiling to make them more palatable. The plant grows in Idaho and Oregon, thriving in moist conditions with partial sun to full sun exposure.
Other uses:Ground cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 2 native
Broader regions
native:Idaho, Oregon
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · e12434bf-9442-4132-bffc-6b01b55fb409
Decision aid
Choosing between Cussick's camas and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.