Great Camas
camassia leichtlinii
Also known as: ["Great Camas","Large Camas"]
Overview
A perennial bulbous plant native to North America, known for its tall spikes of star-shaped blue-purple flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Genus: | Camassia |
| Botanical Name: | Camassia leichtlinii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed in a partially shaded area with moist soil
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Well-drained to slightly moist soil; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; remove dead foliage in late summer or early fall.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; only remove spent flowers and yellowing foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to partial shade in hot climates to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid deep shade for best flowering; protect from harsh afternoon sun; rotate pots for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water at the base of the plant to avoid foliage; ensure soil is well-drained to prevent rot; reduce watering after flowering to allow dormancy.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is rich in organic matter; maintain consistent moisture during growth; avoid waterlogging to prevent bulb rot.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); prefers cooler conditions during active growth; tolerates frost but avoid extreme heat.
Plant in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade; avoid planting in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations; mulch to regulate soil temperature.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply fertilizer before new growth emerges; stop fertilizing after flowering to allow dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
By seed or division of bulbs; division is the most reliable method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide bulbs when foliage yellows.
- Replant divisions at the same depth.
- Water well after planting.
Best Time: Divide bulbs immediately after flowering when foliage begins to die back; sow seeds in late summer or early fall.
Environment
Cool temperatures (50–65°F or 10–18°C) with high humidity for seeds; division requires normal growing conditions.
Medium
Well-drained soil mix with added sand or perlite for division; use a sterile seed-starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; rooting hormone can be used for stem cuttings if attempting propagation by cuttings (though less common for Camassia).
Timeline
Bulbs can be divided and replanted immediately; seeds may take 1–3 years to germinate and establish.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, gloves, sterile potting mix.
Quick Tips
Divide bulbs every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; store divided bulbs in a cool, dry place if not planting immediately; scarify seeds to improve germination.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off flower stalks at the base after blooming; cut back dead foliage to ground level after it has fully yellowed.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing spent flower stalks and dead foliage to encourage bulb development.
Tools
Hand pruners, gloves.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers promptly; cut back dead foliage after yellowing; avoid cutting green leaves.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Repot in late summer or early fall after foliage has died back; avoid disturbing bulbs during active growth.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches if repotting in containers; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift bulbs, remove old or damaged ones, replant in fresh, well-drained soil at the same depth; ensure good drainage to prevent rot.
Suggestions
Camassia is typically grown in the ground; container-grown plants may need repotting every 2–3 years if they become crowded.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage; plant bulbs at the correct depth; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply but infrequently; reduce watering after flowering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the root zone until soil is moist but not saturated; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
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 compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate sand or perlite to enhance drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing or browning leaves in excessive heat; stunted growth or failure to flower in cold or overly warm conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth but are generally tolerated; prolonged freezing can damage foliage but bulbs are usually hardy.
Solution: Mulch bulbs in winter to insulate; avoid planting in areas prone to extreme cold; protect from harsh winds.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause foliage to scorch, reduce flowering, and stress the plant; bulbs may fail to survive if not properly cared for.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; ensure consistent moisture without waterlogging; plant in well-drained soil to prevent bulb rot.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as growth begins; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicThe bulbs of Camassia leichtlinii can be slightly toxic to cats if ingested, potentially causing mild gastrointestinal upset due to irritants present in the plant.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe bulbs of Camassia leichtlinii can be slightly toxic to dogs if ingested, potentially causing mild gastrointestinal upset due to irritants present in the plant.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCamassia leichtlinii is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, the bulbs may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in large quantities due to their high starch content and potential irritants.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Camassia leichtlinii grow?
A: It typically grows to 60–90 cm (2–3 feet) tall.
Q: Does Camassia leichtlinii require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Q: When does Camassia leichtlinii bloom?
A: It blooms in late spring to early summer.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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