Plant profile

Camas

Genus Camassia

Camas (Camassia spp.) is a spring-blooming bulb with starry blue-to-purple flowers that can light up sunny meadows and garden beds while offering early-season nectar and pollen for visiting insects.

Plant Type

Bulbs & geophytes > Camas

Aliases

Camas

Native Range

Native to parts of western North America

Bloom window

Spring

Overview Summary Impact Recognition Location Requirements Glossary Get Involved

OVERVIEW

About This Plant

Camas (Camassia spp.) are essential, spring-blooming bulbs valued for their tall, striking spikes of blue-to-purple flowers. Their primary ecological role is providing a vital early-season energy boost, offering accessible nectar and pollen during a time when few other resources are available for emerging native pollinators.

For best results in a habitat garden, plant Camas bulbs in the fall in a sunny spot where the soil is moist during the spring bloom but drains well afterward. A key functional step for maintenance is allowing the foliage to fully yellow and fade naturally after flowering, as this process recharges the bulb for the next season. Maximize pollinator benefit by planting them in small drifts and ensuring the area remains pesticide-free during their short, intense bloom window.

Best role for pollinators

Spring color, meadow-style plantings, and early-season pollinator support

Camas (Camassia spp.) — https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/123346664 Photo: (c) Chris Shuck, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) | CC-BY-NC | iNaturalist

FAST FACTS

Quick Details

Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.

Category	Details
Also known as	Camas
Bloom window	Spring
Typical height	Medium-tall flower spikes
Pollinators supported	Bees, Butterflies
Light & moisture	Sun to part sun; moisture in spring, not soggy year-round
Best roles for pollinators	Spring color, meadow-style plantings, and early-season pollinator support

SUMMARY

If You Remember Three Things

A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.

What they do

Camas adds a strong spring bloom window and can help fill the “gap” before many summer flowers start.

What they need

A bright spot with decent spring moisture and soil that drains well after heavy rains.

One best action

Plant a small cluster of bulbs and let the leaves yellow naturally after flowering.

IMPACT

Why Plant This?

Camas is a simple way to add spring blooms that many pollinators can use, especially in gardens that don’t have much flowering early in the season.

Camas often looks best when it’s allowed to form a small drift over time, like a mini meadow in your yard.

Key Impacts

What it Supports

Spring flowers can be especially helpful when many gardens are just waking up.
Bulbs are an easy way to add pollinator-friendly blooms without taking up much space.
Planting in groups makes it easier for pollinators to notice and use the flowers.

RECOGNITION

Identification Guide

Look for a spring bulb with narrow, strap-like leaves and a tall spike of starry flowers.

Leaves

Basal, narrow, strap-like leaves that resemble thick grass blades.

Flowers

Star-shaped flowers arranged along a tall spike; commonly blue to purple.

Fruits

After bloom, flowers can form small seed capsules as the plant finishes its cycle.

LOCATION

Where It Grows

Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.

Habitats

Open meadows
Prairie-like areas
Seasonally moist fields
Open woodlands

Where it is often used

Meadow-style plantings
Sunny borders and mixed beds
Naturalized drifts under open-canopy trees
Rain-garden edges where soil is moist in spring but not constantly wet

SEASONALITY

When It Blooms

Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.

Bloom window

Camas typically blooms in spring, offering color and forage before many summer flowers begin.

Bloom Season Role: Early-season nectar and pollen

Seasonal benefits

Adds early-season nectar and pollen
Pairs well with later-blooming perennials that fill in after the leaves fade
Creates a strong vertical accent without needing staking

REQUIREMENTS

What It Needs

The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.

Sun exposure

Choose a spot with full sun to part sun for best flowering.

Soil type

Loamy or sandy soils are often easiest; avoid spots that stay waterlogged.

Moisture needs

Water during establishment and during dry springs; once established, aim for consistent spring moisture without soggy soil.

Planting method

Plant bulbs in fall. Set them with the pointed end up and space them so they can form a small group.

Mulching tips

Use a light mulch to reduce weeds and protect soil, but don’t bury the crown area too deeply.

GARDENING GUIDE

How to Grow It

Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.

Planting tips

Pick a sunny to partly sunny spot that doesn’t stay soggy.
Loosen the soil and remove tough weeds.
Plant bulbs in fall, pointed end up, in a small cluster for impact.
Water in after planting to settle soil.
In spring, keep the area lightly weeded so shoots aren’t crowded.

Seasonal care

After flowering, leave the leaves in place until they yellow and fade; this helps the bulb recharge.
Avoid heavy watering once the plant is going dormant.
Divide or replant crowded clumps in fall if flowering declines.
Mark the planting area so you don’t accidentally dig into dormant bulbs.