Genus Camassia (Quamash)

Camassia leichtlinii ssp. suksdorfii 'Blue Danube' Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

kah-MASS-ee-ah Common Name: Quamash

This native bulb produces gray-green basal leaves. The showy flowers produce tepals that die and persist in some species.
Noteworthy characteristics: Loose or dense terminal clusters support showy star- or cup-shaped blue, purple or white flowers. Some Native Americans used the bulb as a staple foodcrop.
Care: Plant bulbs 4 inches deep in autumn, in moist, well-drained soil in sun or part shade.
Propagation: Sow seed in a cold frame when ripe. Extract offsets when dormant in summer.
Problems: Leaf smut and a few fungal leaf spots may occur.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Camassia

Camassia leichtlinii ssp. suksdorfii 'Blue Danube'
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Hardiness Zones:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

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11

Spikes of violet, star-shaped flowers top stems reaching from 2 to 4 feet in late spring. The species is native to western Oregon. 'Blue Danube' would be beautiful in a border, meadow, or containers. Camassia make good cut flowers.

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