Camassia leichtlinii var. suksdorfii (Quamash) — Herbaceous perennial

Overview

Camassia leichtlinii var. suksdorfii is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Camassia, part of the Q157167 family. Camassia leichtlinii var. suksdorfii grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to W N America.

About

Camassia leichtlinii var. suksdorfii is a herbaceous perennial bulb in the genus Camassia that flowers in May to June. It favours full sun and moist but well-drained soils across sandy, loamy and clay types. The plant is fully hardy in the UK (H7; USDA 3–7). Handle the ornamental bulbs with care as they are not to be eaten and should be handled with gloves, keeping them away from pets.

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 var. suksdorfii is a spring-flowering herbaceous perennial native to western North America. It is grown for its seasonal display in May to June and for its bulbous habit, which emerges each spring to produce upright flower stems. The plant is listed for USDA zones 3–7 and carries a UK hardiness rating of H7, meaning it tolerates typical British winters when planted in a suitable site. Select a sunny position; the variety performs best in full sun and in soils that stay moist without becoming waterlogged. It accepts a range of soil textures — sandy, loamy or clay — so long as drainage is adequate. Where soil is heavy, improve structure with grit or organic matter to maintain the balance of moisture and drainage the bulbs need. Plant in groups to get a clear spring display, situating them within sunny perennial borders or naturalised grass and wildflower areas where spring bulbs are desirable. Observe the safety notes: the bulbs are ornamental and not for consumption, and should be handled with gloves; consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and contact numbers.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Camassia

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Exposure: Full sun
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Camassia leichtlinii var. suksdorfii size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Native to: W N 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 var. suksdorfii

Propagation: By seed or bulb offsets

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Camassia leichtlinii var. suksdorfii?

Camassia leichtlinii var. suksdorfii prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Camassia leichtlinii var. suksdorfii need?

Camassia leichtlinii var. suksdorfii 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 var. suksdorfii hardy in the UK?

Camassia leichtlinii var. suksdorfii 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 var. suksdorfii?

By seed or bulb offsets.

Is Camassia leichtlinii var. suksdorfii 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

Browse all Camassia →