Camassia

Camassia flowers are pretty and grow in clusters. They are often found in meadows and are loved by pollinators!

Habitat: Camassias like to grow in wet meadows and gardens.

Appearance

The Camassia has tall, slender stalks topped with striking star-shaped flowers in shades of vibrant blue, purple, or creamy white. Its narrow, grass-like leaves emerge from a bulb, creating a distinct upright appearance. The blossoms form a showy spike, making it visually stand out in meadows.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyAsparagaceaeGenusCamassia

Camassia

Interesting facts

Despite its beauty, beware: other similar plants like Death Camas are extremely poisonous!

Indigenous peoples traditionally baked Camassia bulbs in earthen ovens for food.

Its bulbs were a vital food source for explorers like Lewis and Clark on their expeditions.

Some Camassia species bloom so densely they create stunning blue 'carpets' across meadows!

Special abilities

Camassia has a starchy underground bulb that helps it store energy and nutrients to survive winter and sprout reliably each spring.

Camassia produces nectar-rich flowers in vibrant hues that attract various bees and other insects, ensuring successful pollination.

Camassia can go dormant underground during hot, dry summers, allowing it to conserve water and energy until conditions improve.

Measurements & details

Height: 30-90 cm
Spread: 15-30 cm
Flower Size: 2-4 cm
Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
Edible: Yes
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Gathers nectar and pollen from the flowers.

pollinates

Yellow-faced bumblebee

Bombus vosnesenskii

Visits Camassia flowers, aiding in reproduction.

eaten by

California Vole

Microtus californicus

Volves may dig up and eat Camassia bulbs.

eats

American Black Bear

Ursus americanus

Bears occasionally consume Camassia bulbs.

Traits

Cluster Flower

Cluster flowers are inflorescences where individual flowers are arranged closely together on a common stem.

Spring Blooming

Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.