Camassia quamash
©Ellen Mast
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Common Camas · Camassia quamash
Description: Bulbous perennial (8-24"), smaller than Great Camas (Camassia leichtlinii), with grass-like leaves and brilliant pale blue to deep purple flowers in spring. Common Camas is widespread on both sides of the Cascades, most commonly found in areas that are wet in winter. A large drift of camas is an incredibly beautiful sight! The bulb was an important food source for Native Americans, and diary entries from Lewis and Clark remark on the beauty, abundance and significance of this North American native. Sun, winter wet (allow the bulbs to dry out after flowering), heavy soil ok.
