Origin
Camassia quamash (Pursh) Greene ssp. intermedia Gould, also known as Camas, is a native plant of western North America. It can be found growing in wet meadows, prairies, and foothills from British Columbia to California.
Common Names
Camassia quamash is commonly known as Camas or Quamash. The name Camas is derived from the Nez Perce word “qém’es” which means sweet. It is also known as Indian hyacinth, wild hyacinth, and blue camas.
Uses
Historically, Camas has been an important plant for Indigenous peoples. The Nez Perce, Yakama, and other tribes used the bulbs of Camas as a staple food source, either roasted or boiled. The bulbs were also used for traditional medicines to treat a variety of ailments. The plant is still used as a food source and is often eaten raw or added to soups and stews. Camas is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.
General Appearance
Camas is a perennial plant that can grow up to three feet tall. It has long, narrow leaves that are typically 1–2 feet long. The flowers are blue or purplish-blue and the stamens are yellow. The bulbs are about the size of a small potato and are edible. Camas blooms in the spring and can be found growing in large clumps.
Light Requirements
Plant Camassia quamash ssp. intermedia in an area that receives full sun to partial shade. These plants can grow in full shade, but they will not flower as well.
Soil Requirements
Camassia quamash ssp. intermedia prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Sandy loam to loam soil can also be used as long as it is not compacted or poorly drained.
Temperature Requirements
This plant subspecies is native to the temperate regions of western North America. Camassia quamash ssp. intermedia grows best in cool to mild temperatures of 60-78°F (15-25°C).
Watering Requirements
Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Care should be taken not to overwater or underwater the plant as both can cause damage to its root system.
Fertilizer Requirements
Camassia quamash ssp. intermedia does not require a lot of fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring just before the growing season. Alternatively, organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure can be incorporated into the soil before planting.
Cultivation of Camassia quamash (Pursh) Greene ssp. intermedia Gould
Camassia quamash (Pursh) Greene ssp. intermedia Gould is a beautiful plant that is native to North America. This plant is easy to grow and is perfect for those who are new to gardening. Here are some tips to help you cultivate this plant.
Watering needs
The Camassia quamash (Pursh) Greene ssp. intermedia Gould prefers a moist environment, but not overly wet. You should water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season. Make sure the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
You can fertilize the plant with an all-purpose fertilizer in spring when new growth appears. Fertilize the plant once every two weeks until the summer months. Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter as the plant needs to rest. Note that too much fertilizer can cause excessive growth and weaken the plant.
Pruning
The Camassia quamash (Pursh) Greene ssp. intermedia Gould has no special pruning requirements. You can remove the yellowing leaves and stalks after the flower dies to encourage new growth. You can also remove any dead or damaged leaves at any time.
With these basic care tips, you can easily cultivate the Camassia quamash (Pursh) Greene ssp. intermedia Gould, and enjoy its beauty throughout the year.
Propagation of Camassia quamash
Camassia quamash (Pursh) Greene ssp. intermedia Gould, commonly known as the common camas, is a beautiful perennial plant that can be best propagated by seed or division.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation of Camassia quamash can be done by sowing mature seeds in late fall or early spring in well-drained soil. The seeds must be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist consistently until germination, which usually takes between 14 and 21 days. The seedlings should be thinned out to encourage healthy growth.
Propagation by Division
The best time to divide Camassia quamash is in late summer or early fall when the foliage starts to wilt. To propagate by division, gently dig out the plant, remove the soil, and separate the corms by cutting them at the base. Each segment must contain a bud, and any damaged or rotten part must be removed before planting. Each segment can be replanted at a depth of about 2 inches in a well-drained soil with full sun to part shade.
Disease Management
Camassia quamash is generally resistant to most diseases. However, the plant is vulnerable to fungal and bacterial infections, which could lead to the development of rot.
Fungal infections are common during cool and wet weather conditions. Symptoms of fungal infections include yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and spotting. Cultural practices such as providing adequate drainage and air circulation can help prevent fungal infections. Fungicides such as copper-based fungicides can also be used to manage fungal infections.
Bacterial infections, on the other hand, cause the plant to develop dark spots on its leaves. Copper-based fungicides can also be used to control bacterial infections.
Pest Management
Camassia quamash does not have many pests that affect it. However, the plant is vulnerable to attacks by aphids and slugs.
Aphids are small insects that suck out plant sap from the leaves and stem, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They can be managed by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs, or by washing the affected plant parts with a gentle soap solution.
Slugs, on the other hand, feed on the leaves and stem, causing the plant to become weak and underdeveloped. Handpicking and using baits such as beer can help manage slug infestations.
Regular monitoring of the plant can help detect pest infestations at an early stage, making it easier to manage them before they spread.
