Camas, Quamash
camassia quamash
Also known as: ["Camassia esculenta","Camassia leichtlinii"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to North America, known for its blue-purple flowers and bulbous root.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Genus: | Camassia |
| Botanical Name: | Camassia quamash |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with partial shade during hottest part of day
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining; avoid heavy clay soils.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good drainage; amended with compost or organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually in late summer or fall.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight or bright indirect light); prefers cooler conditions in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching; provide afternoon shade in hot climates; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun; rotate pot for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water at the base to avoid foliage; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; adjust frequency based on weather and growth stage.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid waterlogging; enrich with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); tolerates cold but prefers not to exceed 75°F (24°C) during active growth.
Keep away from heat sources; protect from frost; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and early summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before growth begins; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
By seed or division of bulbs; division is preferred for faster results.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide bulbs into healthy sections.
- Plant at twice their depth.
- Water lightly.
- Keep in a cool spot until growth resumes.
Best Time: Divide bulbs immediately after flowering; sow seeds in late summer or early fall.
Environment
Cool temperatures (50–60°F or 10–15°C); high humidity for seeds; indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for seeds; use bulb compost for division.
Hormone
Not necessary for division; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Bulbs establish quickly in 1–2 months; seeds may take 1–2 years to germinate and flower.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, bulb separator, potting mix, small pots.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; store seeds in a cool, dark place until sowing.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base; trim foliage only when completely yellowed or dry.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flower stalks to encourage bulb development; trim yellowing foliage after dormancy.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, scissors.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; trim only dead foliage; avoid cutting green leaves.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall after foliage dies back.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) if repotting in containers.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; replant at twice their depth in fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 3–4 years or when bulbs become crowded; best when dormant.
Checklist
Check for crowded bulbs; use fresh soil; plant at correct depth; water sparingly until growth resumes.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring the root zone is moistened; avoid wetting the leaves; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth in spring; reduce watering after flowering; keep soil moist but not waterlogged during dormancy in summer.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves in excessive heat; stunted growth in cold; wilting in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and can cause leaf damage if temperatures drop below freezing without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation to prevent rot.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch or wilt; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; follow package instructions; stop after flowering.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue after flowering.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicThe bulbs of Camassia quamash can be slightly toxic to cats if ingested, potentially causing mild gastrointestinal irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe bulbs of Camassia quamash can be slightly toxic to dogs if ingested, potentially causing mild gastrointestinal irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCamassia quamash is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, the bulbs may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in large quantities due to their high carbohydrate content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Camassia quamash toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Camassia quamash?
A: It thrives in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Q: Does Camassia quamash attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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