Camas

Camas is way more than just a pretty blue wildflower – this native bulb is basically Pacific Northwest royalty, having fed indigenous peoples for thousands of years while creating some of the most spectacular natural flower displays on the continent. When Camas blooms, entire meadows turn into seas of deep blue that look like someone spilled the sky across the landscape.

The flowers emerge in late spring on tall spikes that can reach 2-3 feet high, each spike packed with star-shaped blue flowers that range from pale blue to deep purple-blue. When planted in masses, the effect is absolutely breathtaking – like having your own personal piece of a natural wildflower meadow right in your garden.

What makes Camas truly special is its deep cultural and ecological significance. This plant was a crucial food source for Native American tribes throughout the Pacific Northwest, with the bulbs being harvested, cooked, and dried for winter storage. The flowers also provide important early-season nectar for native bees and other pollinators emerging from winter dormancy.

The grass-like foliage appears in spring and dies back by mid-summer, making Camas perfect for naturalizing in areas where the temporary foliage won't be missed. It prefers moist conditions in spring but can handle dry summers once dormant. Plant it where you want to create authentic Pacific Northwest habitat or honor the deep history of this region. You'll find this blue beauty adding native wildflower appeal and cultural significance to our median plantings, proving that the most beautiful plants often have the deepest stories.