Sold out
Camassia esculenta

Camassia esculenta

Common name Common Camas (Quamash)
Latin name Camassia quamash
Quantity per bag 10 bulbs
Camassia quamash produces graceful spikes of violet-blue star-shaped flowers above bright green strap-like foliage. This botanical species brings a natural, meadow-like beauty to spring gardens.

Its value is both ecological and historical thanks to its abundant spring blooms and its importance in Indigenous traditions. It naturalizes easily in suitable gardens.

$5.99

Online price only.

Pay in 4 interest-free payments with
Share
Product information
Bulb
identification
Common nameCommon Camas (Quamash)
Latin nameCamassia quamash
FamilyAsparagaceae
CyclePerennial
Bulb typeBulb
Quantity per pack10 bulbs
Product
description

Common Camas (Camassia quamash) is a botanical bulbous perennial that produces graceful spikes of violet-blue, star-shaped flowers with golden centres from May to June. Also known botanically as Camassia esculenta quamash, it features slender flower stems rising above bright green, strap-like foliage, giving the plant a natural and slightly wild appearance. The typical Camassia esculenta quamash height is approximately 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in), making it easy to incorporate into country-style landscapes and naturalized plantings. Over time, Camassia quamash esculenta gradually forms attractive colonies. Hardy to Zone 3, it is exceptionally well suited to Quebec gardens when grown in well-drained soil.

Plant the bulbs in autumn before the ground freezes, placing them 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 in) deep and spacing them 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) apart. Choose a location in full sun or partial shade with fertile, loose, neutral to slightly alkaline soil that remains moist during spring. Water after planting, then maintain even moisture throughout active growth without allowing the soil to become waterlogged. After flowering, allow the foliage to yellow completely so the bulbs can replenish their energy reserves. A moderate application of compost in spring is usually sufficient, and established clumps can be divided every four to five years.

Camassia esculenta quamash is ideal for wildflower meadows, naturalized gardens, borders, open woodland settings, and pond edges. It pairs beautifully with botanical daffodils, ornamental alliums, forget-me-nots, Siberian irises, and ornamental grasses. Its nectar-rich spring flowers attract bees and many other pollinators, helping support garden biodiversity.

The cooked bulbs were traditionally used as food by several Indigenous peoples of North America. However, this plant should be treated as ornamental unless it has been identified with absolute certainty by a qualified expert. It may be confused with highly toxic death camas species, making improper identification and consumption potentially dangerous.

Main
benefit
Its natural violet-blue flowers attract pollinators while showcasing a heritage plant that was traditionally cultivated as a valuable Indigenous food source.
Garden
placement
Where to plant Perfect for naturalized gardens, wildflower meadows, borders, and pond edges. Pair it with botanical daffodils, Siberian irises, ornamental alliums, and ornamental grasses to create natural spring landscapes. Its cultural significance and elegant violet-blue blooms make it an exceptional garden plant.
Care level Easy
Planting
and care
ExposureFull sun to partial shade
Planting periodFall
Planting depth10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 in)
Rooting temperature12 to 18°C (54 to 64°F)
Hardiness zoneZone 3
WateringKeep the soil evenly moist during active growth, then reduce watering once the foliage enters dormancy.
Soil typeFertile, loose, well-drained soil that remains moist during spring.
Soil pHNeutral to slightly alkaline
FertilizationApply compost in spring or a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Moderate feeding encourages abundant flowering.
Container
growing
Container growing is possible in a pot at least 30 cm (12 in) deep with excellent drainage. Use a rich, loose potting mix that remains moist during spring while drying slightly in summer. Place the container in full sun or partial shade and water regularly during active growth. Allow the foliage to yellow naturally before reducing watering. The bulbs may remain in the container over winter if drainage is excellent.
Seasonal
care
Allow the foliage to yellow naturally before removing it. Divide established clumps every four to five years. Avoid excessive winter moisture to prevent bulb rot.
Bloom,
harvest
and garden
Bloom periodViolet-blue star-shaped flowers appear in spring and attract a wide variety of pollinators.
Flower colorViolet-blue
HarvestSummer (edible bulbs)
Companion plantsBotanical daffodils, ornamental alliums, forget-me-nots, Siberian irises, and ornamental grasses make excellent companion plants.
Plants to avoidYoung shoots may be damaged by slugs, while poorly drained soil can encourage bulb rot.
Wildlife appealBees and pollinators
Size
and growth
Height30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in)
Spread10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in)
Growth rateMedium
Rooting / establishment21 to 42 days
Frequently asked questions
The availability of our bulbs, cloves, tubers, rhizomes, seeds and plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may only be available for a limited time, depending on their natural cycle, planting period or available stock. These product pages are designed to guide and inspire your plant choices for the garden, vegetable garden, landscaping, container growing or sustainable outdoor projects.

Bulb care products.

Everything to plant, feed and protect your bulbs

Green bulb planter

Green bulb planter
Acti-Sol 100% Natural Fertilizer – Transplanter with Ground Bone 4-10-2

Acti-Sol 100% Natural Fertilizer – Transplanter with Ground Bone 4-10-2
Blood Meal 12-0-0 Nutrite

Blood Meal 12-0-0 Nutrite
Ground fossil bone McInnes 0-13-0

Ground fossil bone McInnes 0-13-0
Bulb planter

Bulb planter