Camassia leichtlinii
Camassia leichtlinii
Safety & Hazards
Camassia bulbs have long been an important food staple for native North Americans, especially in the Pacific Northwest of N. America, where the bulbs were dug and traded on large encampment meadows. However, the plants are superficially similar to the poisonous species of Zigadenus (known as ‘death camas’) and so great care should be taken in making a positive identification[ 270 Title Flora of N. America Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/fna/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An on-line version of the flora with an excellent description of the plant including a brief mention of plant uses. , K Title Plants for a Future Author Ken Fern Description Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips. ].
Botanical Description
Camassia leichtlinii is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a solitary bulb 15 - 30mm in diameter; it produces a cluster of 3 - 9 grass-like leaves 20 - 60cm long and flowering stems 20 - 130cm tall[ 270 Title Flora of N. America Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/fna/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An on-line version of the flora with an excellent description of the plant including a brief mention of plant uses. ]. The bulb was a staple food of the native N. Americans who would harvest it in quantity, trade it and also dry it for later use. The plant is often grown as an ornamental in the garden.