Perennial North American native plant that emerges in spring from a bulb. Cammasia quamash has a single raceme of dark purple flowers in early spring, followed by a cluster of seed heads. Camas spread easily by seed and thrive in a variety of conditions. As a native to prairies across the US, camas does well in wet winter and spring soils and goes dormant once the soils dry out in summer and autumn.

Here in the PNW, camas are found in damp, soggy fields and along stream banks. This easy to grow and tough perennial is a lovely addition to formal gardens, yards, and fields. While seemingly undisturbed by most mammals, the edible bulb can be predated upon by moles and gophers. 

Water Use: Light to Medium

Light Requirement: Sun

Soil Moisture: Damp winter to dry summer

Soil type: Sand, clay, loam

Soil pH: 6-8

Drought Tolerance: High (goes dormant)

Perennial bulb