Overview
Camassia leichtlinii is a perennial bulbous plant in the genus Camassia, part of the Q157167 family. Camassia leichtlinii grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to W North America.
About
Camassia leichtlinii is a perennial bulbous plant that flowers in May to June. Native to western North America, it is also known by the common name Quamash. Plants prefer full sun and a moist but well-drained soil and are rated H7 (fully hardy) for UK gardens. The bulbs are ornamental and should not be eaten; wear gloves when handling.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Camassia leichtlinii
About the genus
Camassia is a genus of plants in the asparagus family native to North America. Common names include camas, quamash, Indian hyacinth, camash, and wild hyacinth.
Wikipedia contributors, "Camassia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Camassia
In the garden
Camassia leichtlinii is a bulbous perennial originating from western North America. Its flowering season falls in May to June, making it a spring to early-summer feature in the garden. Give the bulbs a sunny position and a soil that retains some moisture yet drains freely; suitable soil types include sandy, loamy and clay soils provided they are not waterlogged. The plant prefers conditions described as moist but well-drained. In the UK it carries an H7 rating, meaning it is fully hardy outdoors across the country; it is also tolerant of USDA hardiness zones 3–7 where that reference is useful. Place groups of bulbs where they can receive uninterrupted sun in spring and where soil moisture is reliable at that time of year, such as sunny perennial borders or open beds that do not dry out before flowering. Because the bulbs are for ornamental use only, avoid any culinary use and take basic precautions when handling—wear gloves and other protective equipment as advised. This handling advice is particularly important since the bulbs are specifically listed as not to be eaten.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Camassia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Camassia leichtlinii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial bulbous plant
- Native to
- W North America
- Toxicity
- Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Camassia leichtlinii
- Propagation
- by seed, division of bulbs
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Camassia leichtlinii?
Camassia leichtlinii prefers full sun.
What soil does Camassia leichtlinii need?
Camassia leichtlinii is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Camassia leichtlinii hardy in the UK?
Camassia leichtlinii has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Camassia leichtlinii?
By seed, division of bulbs.
Is Camassia leichtlinii toxic?
Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.
More in the Camassia genus
- Camassia cusickiiCusick's camass
- Camassia leichtlinii 'Atroviolacea'Great Camas
- Camassia leichtlinii 'Eve Price'Great Camas
- Camassia leichtlinii 'Orion'Quamash
- Camassia leichtlinii 'Plena'Quamash
- Camassia leichtlinii 'Sky Blue'
- Camassia leichtlinii var. suksdorfiiQuamash
