camassia (wild hyacinth)

the genus camassia belongs to the agavoideae subfamily of the asparagaceae family and contains approx. six members. the native to north america plants are commonly known as indian or wild hyacinths. other names are camas and quamash.

the bulbous plants are flowering in blue, creme, violet and white.

flower from camassia cusickii

species

camassia cusickii

camassia cusickii is native to the us (oregon-idaho) and available with white and violet flowers.

camassia leichtlinii

camassia leichtlinii is divided into two subspecies: the white to light yellow flowering ssp. leichtlinii and ssp. suksdorfii with blue-violet flowers.

camassia leichtlinii “caerulea”

camassia quamash

camassia quamash seems to be the most common member of the genus. this species is divided into 8 subspecies which are all native to the usa or canada. there are also some cultivars available. some of them with a cream striped foliage.

camassia quamash “blue melody”

camassia quamash “blue melody” is a blue-purple flowering cultivar with yellow or white edged leaves.