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Camassia quamash Quamash (1 Page of 5) The Camassia quamash plant species is found in Western N. America - Washington to California, east to Montana and Utah. It is a member of the Hyacinthaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Quamash. Some home gardeners know the variety as C. esculenta. Lindl. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Camassia quamash Common Name: Quamash Family: Hyacinthaceae Author: (Pursh.)Greene. Known Hazards: None known Mature Height: 0.3 Mature Width: 0.15 Habitat: Coastal mountain forests and wet meadows inland[60, 62]. Marshy meadows in coniferous forest, to 2300 metres[90].
Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in almost any soil[42]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a rather heavy loam[1] that has plenty of moisture in spring but does not remain wet over the winter[138, 200]. Dislikes dry soils[200]. Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade[138, 200].
The dormant bulbs are very hardy and will withstand soil temperatures down to at least -10°c[214].
Quamash is a very pretty flowering bulb that has quite a large potential as an edible ornamental plant[K]. It grows very well in the flower border but can also be naturalised in damp grass[134]. We are intending to grow it in a grassed-down orchard in our Cornish trial ground. The bulbs flower in late spring and early summer and have completely died down by early July so they do not interfere with harvesting the apple crop. The grass in the orchard will be cut in early spring before the quamash comes into growth, but will not be cut again until July. The bulbs will be harvested at any time from July to December and, since it is impossible to find all the bulbs, it is hoped that those remaining will be able to increase and supply bulbs for future years[K].
A polymorphic and very ornamental plant[1], there are some named varieties[200].
A good bee plant[108].
This species can be confused with certain poisonous bulbs in the genus Zigadenus[85].
Plant the bulbs 7 - 10cm deep in early autumn and then leave undisturbed[1].
For further Camassia quamash gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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