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Camas (Camassia quamash)

AI-generated illustration — check edibility and toxicity notes, never eat from the picture alone.

Camas

Camassia quamash

EdibleZones 4–8herbroot

Camassia quamash, commonly known as camas, kwetlal, small camas, common camas, common camash or quamash, is a perennial herb. It is native to western North America in large areas of southern Canada and the northwestern United States.

Description from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).

⚠ Safety

Edible bulb (slow-cooked) but easily confused with the deadly death camas; positive identification is essential.

At a glance

Sunlight
Full sun
Water need
Medium
Mature height
0.6 m
Maintenance
Low
Hardiness
USDA 4–8
Layers
herb, root

Functional roles

foodpollinator

Propagation

How to make more of this plant for free — the permaculture way.

bulbilsdivisionseedeasy

When: Plant bulbs autumn

Beautiful blue spring flowers for bees; a traditional staple bulb, pit-cooked for hours.

Seed data pending expert review. Identification photo and description are sourced from Wikipedia/Wikimedia; always confirm a plant in person before eating any part of it.