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Large camas

Camassia leichtlinii

Last reviewed: September 2026

Large camas (Camassia leichtlinii) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw native bees and bumble bees.

Large camas (Camassia leichtlinii)
Photo: (c) humon, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Large camas (Camassia leichtlinii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–40" H × 6"–10" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

native bees, bumble bees

Before you buy

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A bulb-forming perennial with strap-like leaves and tall, showy spikes of star-shaped blue-purple flowers in late spring. It grows in seasonally wet meadows, going dormant by summer.

Growing Large camas

Grow Large camas in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 40 inches tall and spread 6 to 10 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its abundant spring flowers are an important early-season nectar source for native bees and bumble bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Large camas need?
Large camas grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Large camas bloom?
Large camas blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Large camas native?
Large camas (Camassia leichtlinii) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Large camas attract?
Large camas draws native bees and bumble bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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Ready to grow Large camas? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.