Wildflower Wednesday: Camassia

Daffodils, crocuses, snowdrops and tulips are classic bulbs that are found in many spring gardens. A few years ago, I looked for a native alternative to these classics and found Camassia. Camassia is sometimes call a wild hyacinth or quamash. Here in the Southeast they are found on prairies and rich grasslands from Georgia to central Texas. You can see their range on this USDA Map.

The Camassia genus is native to North America and there are six recognized species but only one is native to the eastern part of the country, Camassia scilloides.

These hardy bulbs have racemes with bold blue flowers that appear in late March and continue through April. The star shaped florets open from the bottom up and provide bees with needed nectar and pollen. 

blue flowers with yellow anthers

The flowers are best paired with other spring blooming wildflowers like columbine, yarrow and coreopsis that will show off the blue petals. They are a great addition to a meadow or open woodland.

In a more traditional landscape add them to a border. They look best when planted in front of perennials that serve as a contrasting background. These bulbs are deer and vole resistant which are major considerations in our garden. 

Camassia appreciates our acidic soil and thrives in moist conditions but not long periods of standing water. Once planted the bulbs don't like to be disturb. Over time they will multiply and if they ever need to be divided, the best time is in summer or fall when they are dormant. 

Place near a regular seating area to enjoy the delicate, sweet fragrance and watch the bees buzz around.

For more wildflower inspiration visit our lovely host Clay and Limestone.

Comments

  1. I didn't realize their native range went all the way to Georgia - I think of these as plants of the PNW. Lovely shots.

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    1. Oh, they are definitely more notable in the PNW but we are fortunate to have one species in the southeast. The bees are all over them. It's fab!

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  2. I didn't know there was a native camassia in the southeast. The one here in the Pacific NW is very common and popular. I just added one to my garden last year. It is such a beautiful flower. Your photos are wonderful.

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  3. Karin! I’m so excited to have found you and your blog! I’m a gardener in Evans, GA, and have looked so long for a Georgia garden blogger. There aren’t many. Your work will be a great resource to me. Please keep posting!

    You’ve probably addressed this in previous posts, but what’s your soil like? If you are northeast, I’m guessing you’re pretty much red clay with a layer of black topsoil. I am as well; I’m just northwest of the Fall Line in Columbia county.
    I found you when I came across your comment on Dirt Therapy. I learn so much from comments :)

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    1. Hi Jules, glad you found my blog! You're right there aren't that many bloggers in Georgia and I don't really know why because there are many gardeners. Our soil is red clay and if we are lucky a touch of topsoil. We've been working for years to get good soil by amending the beds with compost and using all our leaf litter in our beds as well as wood chips. Our plants are pretty happy since they are mostly natives with a few friendly non-natives. Hope you will come back and visit again!

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  4. I love all flowers blue & had heard of camassia, but didn't know much about it. It looks particularly beautiful with the thick stand of columbine.

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    1. That was happenstance as the columbine reseeded itself there. It worked out nicely without any effort from me!

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One of my favorite things about blogging is the conversation with readers. Leave a comment and let's get talking. ~Karin

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