Great camas
Camassia leichtliniifam. Asparagaceae
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Pl. 47FD — Camassia leichtlinii
Camassia leichtliniiCamassia leichtliniiCamassia leichtliniiCamassia leichtliniiCamassia leichtliniiCamassia leichtliniiCamassia leichtliniiCamassia leichtliniiCamassia leichtliniiCamassia leichtliniiCamassia leichtliniiCamassia leichtliniiCamassia leichtliniiCamassia leichtlinii
IOverview
Overview
Great camas (Camassia leichtlinii) is a perennial herb native to the Pacific Northwest, ranging from British Columbia to California and extending into Oregon and Washington. This plant thrives in moist soils and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, making it adaptable to various habitats within its native range. Known for its edible roots, which were an important food source for indigenous peoples, great camas is also valued for its ornamental value due to its large, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of blue or purple. Its distinctive feature includes a height of about 90 cm and the presence of multiple flower spikes, each bearing numerous blooms.
Quick answers
What is Great camas?
Great camas (Camassia leichtlinii) is a perennial herb native to the Pacific Northwest, ranging from British Columbia to California and extending into Oregon and Washington.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Great camas thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows best in hardiness zones 3-7, making it suitable for temperate regions. For optimal growth, keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. This forb/herb reaches a height of about 90 cm and can be propagated through division. Harvest its edible root parts carefully.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
90cm m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Great camas for the first time
8steps
Great camas is a rewarding plant for beginners, but patience and proper care are key.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small bulbs, potting soil, a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early fall or late winter for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers are at least 15 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs about 3 times their depth in the soil. For seeds, sow them just below the surface.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination and early growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full to partial sun and regular watering until established. Fertilize sparingly if needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves in late winter before new growth emerges, but avoid disturbing the bulbs.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to prune properly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The great camas root is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is often roasted or boiled to make it palatable. The roots are also dried for long-term storage and later rehydrated before consumption. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 4 native
Broader regions
native:British Columbia, California, Oregon, Washington
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Asparagaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Asparagaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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