Camash
Camassia quamash
Last reviewed: September 2026
Camash (Camassia quamash) is a perennial forb native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and moths. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Camash (Camassia quamash) is not flagged as toxic to dogs or cats by Plants For A Future (PFAF) (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Camash as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
8"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
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Camassia quamash is a beautiful spring-blooming native bulb with striking blue-purple star-shaped flowers on tall stalks. It grows from a bulb and forms neat clumps with grassy foliage that dies back after flowering. This perennial thrives in moist areas and can naturalize over time.
Growing Camash
Grow Camash in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Camash is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Foliage may look untidy as it dies back after flowering
Wildlife value
The showy flowers of Camassia provide important spring nectar for native bees, butterflies, and moths. It's especially valuable as an early-season pollinator resource.
Common questions
- How much sun does Camash need?
- Camash grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Camash bloom?
- Camash blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Camash native?
- Camash (Camassia quamash) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Camash toxic to dogs?
- Camash is not flagged as toxic to dogs by Plants For A Future (PFAF). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA.
- Is Camash toxic to cats?
- Camash is not flagged as toxic to cats by Plants For A Future (PFAF). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA.
- Is Camash toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Camash as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Camash attract?
- Camash draws bees, butterflies, and moths.
- Is Camash HOA-friendly?
- Camash is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Camash? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.