Common camassia (Camassia quamash)
Common camassia (Camassia quamash) is a bulbous (or similar) plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Common camassia (Camassia quamash).
This plant has several common names including: common camassia, bear’s grass, camas, camash, camass, camosh, North American wild hyacinth or quamash.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: common camassia, bear’s grass, camas, camash, camass, camosh, North American wild hyacinth, quamash
Scientific name: Camassia quamash
Plant type: Bulbs
Habit: Bushy
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: Informal Garden, Wildflower meadow
Planting type: Cut Flowers, Flower borders and bedding
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Common camassia (Camassia quamash) – Salicyna, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bulbous plants are found all over the world in habitats as diverse as woods, meadows, riverbanks, rocky hills and mountains.
There are bulbs suitable for all types of garden design.
Most have their own limited flowering season, but with careful planning it is possible to combine this period of interest with the other plants in the garden.
Other types of Camassia to consider:
See all Camassia
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Common camassia (Camassia quamash), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Common camassia (Camassia quamash) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Camassia quamash likes to grow in moist but well drained soil.
Sunlight
Common camassia (Camassia quamash) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Common camassia (Camassia quamash) – Photo: JLPC / Wikimedia Commons
