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, cottage and informal garden, prairie planting, banks and slopes and flower borders and beds.
About
Camassia quamash, commonly known as camas or bear's grass, is a clump-forming bulbous plant in the Asparagaceae family. It grows with a columnar upright habit, reaching heights of 0.5 to 1 metre and spreading between 0.1 and 0.5 metres. This deciduous plant takes 2 to 5 years to reach full height and thrives in full sun or partial shade. It is adaptable to various soil types, including chalk, loam, and sand, and prefers moist but well-drained to well-drained soils with a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline.
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
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, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Camassia quamash
- Propagation
- Seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe, Remove offsets when dormant in winter
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
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 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 an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Camassia quamash?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe, Remove offsets when dormant in winter.
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More in the Camassia genus
- Camassia leichtliniicamass Caerulea Group
- Camassia leichtlinii 'Atroviolacea'Great Camas
- Camassia leichtlinii 'Eve Price'Great Camas
- Camassia leichtlinii 'Orion'Quamash
- Camassia leichtlinii 'Plena'Quamash
- Camassia leichtlinii var. suksdorfiiQuamash
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