About Camas Flowers & Bulbs
Camas flowers are part of the Liliaceae family. The scientific name is Camassia quamash. It is also called camassia, small camas, quamassia, quamas, wild hyacinth and camas lily. Deer dislike the taste of camas flowers, so they will leave this bulb alone. Does this Spark an idea?
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Geography
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Camas flowers originate in the western states of the United States.
Considerations
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Camas bulbs need to be planted in the fall to the depth of six inches in an area that receives full sun.
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Time Frame
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Camas bulbs bloom in the early spring. Narrow leaves erupt and then small, blue starry flowers appear alongside tulips and daffodils.
History
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Native Americans tended wild fields of camas before the settlers came to the west. They would remove rocks, clear brush, burn weeds, loosen soil, transplant bulbs and harvest bulbs in a sustainable way.
Function
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Camas bulbs were an important food staple in pioneer days. Native Americans would roast the camas bulbs, and settlers learned to make camas pies after cooking the bulbs until they were soft and sweet.
Warning
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Death camas or Zigadenus venenosus can sometimes be mistaken for the edible camas bulb.
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