Overview
Camassia quamash is a clump forming, columnar upright bulbs in the genus Camassia, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Camassia quamash grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include wildflower meadow, coastal, cottage and informal garden and prairie planting. It is native to W USA and W Canada.
About
Camassia quamash is a bulbous perennial that forms clumps and reaches heights of up to 80 cm. It features long, slender leaves that emerge from the base. During late spring and early summer, upright stems produce a compact cluster of star-shaped blue flowers, each measuring up to 7 cm across.
About the genus
Camassia is a group of bulbous perennials characterized by slender, channelled foliage and upright clusters of star-shaped flowers that range in color from violet-blue to creamy-white, typically blooming in early summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Camassia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Camassia quamash size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildflower meadow, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
- Native to
- W USA, W Canada
- 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 quamash
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist but well-drained, deep, humus-rich, fertile soil. Intolerant of waterlogging and may need some protection from frosts in colder areas. Very good for naturalising in meadows. May have the potential to become a nuisance due to prolific self-seeding if not managed well 2831,camassia-quamash-subsp-linearis,Camassia quamash subsp. linearis,,Camassia quamash subsp. linearis is a narrow-leaved subspecies of the camas producing upright spikes of starry
- Pruning
- Cut back faded flower spike unless collecting seed
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe. Remove offsets when dormant in winter- see bulb propagation
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Camassia quamash?
Grow in moist but well-drained, deep, humus-rich, fertile soil. Intolerant of waterlogging and may need some protection from frosts in colder areas. Very good for naturalising in meadows. May have the potential to become a nuisance due to prolific self-seeding if not managed well 2831,camassia-quamash-subsp-linearis,Camassia quamash subsp. linearis,,Camassia quamash subsp. linearis is a narrow-leaved subspecies of the camas producing upright spikes of starry.
Where is the best place to plant Camassia quamash?
Camassia quamash prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Camassia quamash need?
Camassia quamash is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Camassia quamash?
Cut back faded flower spike unless collecting seed.
How big does Camassia quamash grow?
Camassia quamash reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Camassia quamash hardy in the UK?
Camassia quamash has a UK hardiness rating of H4.
How do I propagate Camassia quamash?
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe. Remove offsets when dormant in winter- see bulb propagation.
Is Camassia quamash 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.