Wild Hyacinth
camassia scilloides
Also known as: ["Eastern Camas","Wild Hyacinth"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to North America, known for its blue flowers and bulbous roots.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Genus: | Camassia |
| Botanical Name: | Camassia scilloides |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed in partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Well-draining to slightly moist soil; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when foliage dies back.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or yellowing leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight or bright indirect light); adjust based on intensity and season.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate light indoors to prevent etiolation.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pots for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid placing in dark corners.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially during dormancy.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is loose and crumbly; avoid compacted soil; maintain consistent moisture without saturation.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); prefers cooler conditions during dormancy.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; maintain consistent cool temperatures during dormancy.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid bulb burn; apply fertilizer to the soil surface, not directly on bulbs; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs; seed propagation is possible but slower.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up bulbs carefully.
- Separate offsets with a sharp, clean knife.
- Replant at the same depth.
- Water lightly.
Best Time: Divide bulbs immediately after flowering when foliage begins to die back; sow seeds in late summer or early fall.
Environment
Cool, humid conditions with indirect light for bulbs; cold stratification may be needed for seeds.
Medium
Well-draining bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite or sand.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seed propagation to encourage germination.
Timeline
Bulbs establish quickly after division; seeds may take 1–3 years to germinate and flower.
Tools Needed
Garden trowel, sharp knife, clean containers, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Divide bulbs every 3–4 years to prevent overcrowding; store excess bulbs in a cool, dry place if not replanting immediately.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip foliage at the base with clean, sharp scissors; avoid cutting into the bulb itself.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and aesthetics.
Tools
Clean garden scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Use clean tools; cut foliage at the base; avoid bulb damage; dispose of removed foliage.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall after dormancy begins but before new growth starts.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger if repotting; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old or damaged ones; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot only if bulbs become overcrowded or every 3–4 years; avoid disturbing bulbs during dormancy.
Checklist
Use well-draining soil; plant at the same depth; ensure proper spacing; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; reduce watering post-flowering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; apply water slowly to allow absorption; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging; 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 significantly after flowering and during dormancy in summer and winter.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility; incorporate perlite or sand to improve drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing or browning leaves (cold stress); wilting or stunted growth (heat stress); premature bulb dormancy (extreme heat).
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause leaf discoloration; bulbs may rot if soil remains waterlogged in cold conditions.
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil to prevent bulb rot; mulch lightly to insulate roots; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause foliage to scorch, reduce flowering, and force premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase air circulation; water deeply but infrequently to keep bulbs cool without waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid fertilizing during dormancy; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as growth begins; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers; discontinue fertilizing after flowering.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they ingest parts of Camassia scilloides. The toxicity is generally low, but ingestion should still be avoided.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe alkaloids present in Camassia scilloides can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested. Symptoms are typically not life-threatening but may require veterinary attention if severe.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCamassia scilloides contains alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other symptoms upon ingestion. The bulbs and roots are the primary toxic parts, though the toxicity is generally not severe unless consumed in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Camassia scilloides toxic to pets?
A: Reliable information on toxicity to pets is not available.
Q: How should Camassia scilloides be cared for?
A: It requires moderate care, including well-drained soil and partial to full sun.
Q: Does Camassia scilloides 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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