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