Camassia: Camas
Our native camas is easy to grow and a stunning addition to sunny borders.
Plant care & info
Family: Liliaceae
Genus: Camassia quamash and Camassia leichtlinii
Common Name: Camas
Western North America in areas of winter wet (meadows, swales, depressions in prairies, and on moist slopes) Zones 4-8.
Members of the lily family, Camas have the signature strap-like leaves, with the flowering stem rising above the graceful cascade of leaves. Camassia quamash typically grows 1-2 feet, Camassia leichtlinii, 3-4 feet.
Tolerant of many soil types including heavy clay. They like their feet wet in winter and early spring, but need to dry out after flowering. Sun/Pt Shade.
Camas self-seed in undisturbed soil, producing little grassy blades surrounding the Camas plants.
Two species are widespread and available to today’s gardeners. Camassia quamash, or Common Camas, is the one most frequently found naturally in the region. Camassia leichtlinii, or Great Camas, is a larger but less abundant variety that inhabits similar growing locations and conditions.
After they bloom, resist the urge to cut back their flower stems. They will self-seed if left undisturbed, and in a few short years, you’ll have even more of this magnificent perennial to enjoy.
If you’d like to see camas in its natural habitat, we highly recommend a visit to Camassia Natural Area—a 26 acre natural area preserved by the Nature Conservancy.
Learn more about the Oregon Camassia Natural Area.
Find Natives for your garden
We offer a great selection of Northwest Natives from spring through fall. The plants featured are highlighted favorites, but they do not represent ALL of the plants we carry. For a more complete list, see our Northwest Native Plant List.
