Camassia

Camassia

Camassia (pronunciation: kəˈmæsiə) is a genus of plants in the asparagus family native to North America.

Etymology

The name Camassia is derived from the Native American name quamash. The term was used by the indigenous peoples of North America to refer to the plant's edible bulbs.

Description

Camassia species are perennial plants with basal, linear leaves, which emerge early in the spring. They grow to a height of 12-50 inches, depending on the species. The leaves are channeled or keeled and are up to 32 inches long. The plants have six-petaled flowers on a raceme, which bloom in late spring or early summer. The flowers are typically blue to purple, but white flowers are also found.

Species

There are six species in the genus Camassia:

• Camassia angusta
• Camassia cusickii
• Camassia howellii
• Camassia leichtlinii
• Camassia quamash
• Camassia scilloides

Uses

Camassia species were an important food staple for Native Americans and settlers in parts of the American Old West. Many species are also cultivated for their attractive flower spikes.

Related Terms

• Asparagaceae
• Perennial plant
• Raceme
• Bulb (botany)

See Also

• List of plants by common name
• List of plants by genus

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Camassia
• Wikipedia's article - Camassia

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