Camass (Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group))

Overview

The Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group), commonly known simply as Camass, provides a spectacular, yet undemanding, display of color early in the spring season. This reliable bulbous perennial emerges with strap-like foliage, culminating in tall spikes of rich lavender blue flowers rising above the leaves in late spring. Gardeners value the Camassia leichtlinii subsp. Suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) for its ability to naturalize readily and its robust constitution.

Native to the moist mountain meadows west of the Cascades, this species thrives across a surprising range of soil conditions, including clay and moist sites, making it highly adaptable for North American gardens. Its low maintenance needs mean that once established, the Camass requires minimal attention, allowing it to form colonies without intervention.

Aesthetically, the stately flower spikes of Camass offer vertical interest against the emerging greens of the season, pairing well near water features or within naturalized settings. The historical significance of the genus, rooted in its use as a food source by Native Americans, adds another layer of interest to this beautiful spring-flowering bulb.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Asparagaceae
• Plant Type: Bulb
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2.5-4 ft
  • Spread: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: April to May
• Bloom Description: Lavender blue
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Camass bulbs in the fall for spring bloom. These bulbs perform best when placed in moist, fertile, acidic, humusy, well-drained soils, though Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) is notably tolerant of clay soils. Position the bulbs 4–6 inches deep and space them about 6 inches apart to encourage naturalizing.

During the critical periods of spring growth and flowering, ensure the plants receive regular moisture. Once the display is complete and the foliage begins to fade toward summer dormancy, the need for water decreases significantly, and the plants can handle drier conditions. Once situated, Camass bulbs do best when left undisturbed to spread and establish themselves over time.

This variety exhibits low maintenance; the sturdy stems rarely require staking. While propagation from seed is possible, remember that seedlings will likely take three to four years to reach maturity and produce their first flowers, so patience is key for expanding your Camass patch.

Landscape Uses

Camass is an excellent choice for integration into naturalized landscapes, thriving where grouping is encouraged. Planting in masses of at least 15 bulbs helps create the most striking visual impact in wildflower meadows or open woodland areas, showcasing the upright racemes effectively. Its tolerance for wet soil makes it an ideal candidate for rain gardens, softening the edges of water features or ponds where the foliage can provide peripheral accenting.

While versatile, be mindful that the foliage of Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) can appear somewhat scruffy after the blooming period concludes. For this reason, designers often place them where they can be partially masked by later-emerging, finer-textured perennials later in the season, or use them in informal settings like meadow drifts rather than highly formal border fronts.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Good Cut

Noteworthy Characteristics

Camassia leichtlinii, sometimes called Leichtlin’s camass, is a spring-flowering bulbous perennial that typically grows on moist slopes and moist mountain meadows west of the Cascades and Sierras from British Columbia to southern California. Star-shaped flowers, 2–3 inches wide, appear in terminal racemes on stout stems that rise above the strap-shaped foliage clump in late spring. The Caerulea Group specifically features beautiful lavender blue flowers, and under ideal conditions, this variety will naturalize and expand to form significant colonies.

Tolerances

• Clay Soil
• Dry Soil
• Wet Soil
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

This species enjoys an excellent health profile in the garden, generally experiencing no serious insect or disease problems. Cultural care is straightforward, provided the bulbs receive adequate moisture during spring growth and are not disturbed once planted. If overcrowding occurs in mature, naturalized colonies over time, division can be performed, ideally right after flowering and before the foliage fully dies back, though this is rarely necessary immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Camass suitable for?

Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) performs best in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9.

When does Camass bloom?

This bulb blooms in late spring, typically from April through May, displaying striking lavender blue star-shaped flowers.

How large does Camassia leichtlinii subsp. Suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) grow?

When fully mature, the flower stems of this Camass variety can reach heights between 2.5 and 4 feet, with a spread of 1 to 2 feet.

What sun exposure does Camass need?

For optimal flowering, plant this species where it receives full sun, although it will tolerate part shade conditions.

Conclusion

The Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii (Caerulea Group) offers reliable, low-maintenance spring impact, delivering tall spikes of showy lavender blooms perfect for naturalizing or damp garden spots. By integrating this dependable Camass into your landscape this fall, you ensure a burst of color that successfully bridges the gap between early spring bulbs and summer perennials. Ensure you check your zone compatibility before planting.

Companion Planting

Given its requirement for moisture during spring growth followed by a drier summer dormancy, Camass pairs wonderfully with plants that fill in aesthetically after the foliage declines. Consider pairing Camass with later-blooming perennials that appreciate similar sun exposure, such as Siberian Iris or certain varieties of Geranium. Its height also makes it useful planted near shorter spring ephemerals that appreciate the partial shade provided by the developing Camass foliage early on.

Design Ideas

For a stunning effect, plant Camass in drifts beneath deciduous trees where the bulbs benefit from spring moisture and sun before the tree canopy fully closes overhead in summer. This mimics its native habitat on moist mountain slopes. Since the stems rise above the general clutter, utilize them as vertical accents in island beds rather than tight formal rows, allowing their architectural form to stand out against softer grasses or groundcovers.