Species › Plants › Common Camas

Common Camas

Camassia quamash

CommonPlant
Illustration of Common Camas (Camassia quamash)

Common Camas creates spectacular blue-purple wildflower meadows in the Pacific Northwest, historically one of the most culturally significant plant species for many indigenous nations. The starchy bulbs were a primary food staple, gathered and pit-roasted in large quantities. Bees and butterflies are drawn to its showy flowers.

Habitat
Moist montane meadows, valley grasslands of the Pacific Northwest
Diet
Flowers pollinated by native bees; bulbs historically harvested by indigenous peoples
How common
Common

Best time to see a Common Camas

The best time to see a Common Camas is April–May, when about 79% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 6,039 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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