Wild Hyacinth, Large camas, Suksdorf's large camas

Camassia leichtlinii

Physical Characteristics

Camassia leichtlinii is a BULB growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from March to August, in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - British Columbia to S. California.

Habitats

Lawn; Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Bulb - raw or cooked[94, 105, 177]. The bulb is about 3cm in diameter[270], eaten raw it has a mild, starchy flavour, but a gummy texture that reduces the enjoyment of it somewhat[K]. It is excellent when slow baked, however, developing a sweet flavour and making a very good potato substitute[183, 256, K]. The cooked bulb can also be dried for later use[183] or ground into a powder and used as a thickener in soups or as an additive to cereal flours when making bread, cakes etc[161]. The bulbs can be boiled down to make a molasses, this was used on festival occasions by various Indian tribes[183]. One report says that the bulbs contain inulin (a starch that cannot be digested by humans) but that this breaks down when the bulb is cooked slowly to form the sugar fructose which is sweet and easily digested[256].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known