03/09/2023
It’s time to highlight one of the star plants of this year’s exhibit, it has stopped diehard plant geeks and novices alike….
Camassia leichtlinii, often called Leichtlin’s Camass or great camass, has dazzled everyone with its clear blue star shaped flowers and when used en mass, the flowers create a blue cloud that floats around the edge of the pond.
Camassia leichtlinii is a native bulb of western North America including northern CA, OR, WA, NV and extending into British Columbia, Canada.
Interestingly the bulb was used as a food source by Native American tribes.
Hardy in zones 5-9.
Camass prefers full to partial sun and goes best in fertile moist acidic humusy soils and prefers to be left undisturbed once established. Camass needs regular moisture during spring growth and bloom but will tolerate drier conditions as it moves towards dormancy.
No serious insect or disease issues and is deer and rodent resistant.
This bulb has become a personal favorite and I highly recommend it as an addition to the garden.
