Camas Bulbs Definition

Camassias are late spring blooming bulbs that are native to north america.

Camas bulbs definition. Any of several plants of the genus camassia especially c. Located just a few miles outside portland it is a 26 acre natural area preserved by the nature conservancy which includes a large camas field that comes into bloom in april. The problem however is that harvesting the bulbs kills the plant and. Noun any of several plants of the genus camassia of the lily family especially c.

It grows in the wild in great numbers in moist meadows. Camassia is a genus of plants in the asparagus family native to western north america. Quamash of plants of the lily family chiefly of the western u s. Common names include camas quamash indian hyacinth camash and wild hyacinth.

This camassia bulb puts on a great show and probably quamash is from a north american native language. If you ve already tossed narcissus bulbs hither and yon to naturalize an area of your landscape consider adding the native camas into the mix. More than three flowers in an inflorescence may be open at one time. Camassia lily another edible hyacinth cousin is the blue camas camassia quamash also known as camassia lily.

Quamash of western north america having long clusters of blue to white flowers and edible bulbs. The six petaled flowers vary in color from pale. With edible bulbs compare death camas. The leaves are long and narrow grass like and emerge from the base.

Quamash of western north america having grasslike leaves a raceme of blue flowers and a bulb that has traditionally been an important food for various native american peoples. This pretty flowering bulb is a member of the asparagus family and was an important food staple for both native americans and early explorers to our country. It is a perennial herb that grows from an edible bulb. In fact native american tribes of the american west relied on the bulbs for sustenance.

A great place to see camassia in its native habitat is at the camassia natural area. Camassia has been included lately in family agavaceae using dna studies and biochemical techniques. Common camas is a stout robust plant 12 28 inches 30 70 cm tall with a dense inflorescence. History and etymology for camas.

It would be a beautiful combination. They are perennial plants with basal linear leaves measuring 8 to 32 inches in length which emerge early in the spring. Common camas flowers are light to deep blue. First known use of camas.

Camas are a great plant to naturalize in your garden. A camas plant consists of an oval bulb somewhat fleshy grass like leaves and a tall stalk of flowers. 1805 in the meaning defined above. They grow to a height of 12 to 50 inches with a multi flowered stem rising above the main plant in summer.

The bulbs from this wildflower grow a little closer to home. Any of a genus camassiaand especially c. The bulbs are constructed from densely packed fleshy leaf bases and are covered in a black to brown tunic.