White Camas
Zigadenus elegans
Last reviewed: July 2026
White Camas (Zigadenus elegans) is a native Tennessee forb that blooms from May through July with white flowers. This perennial wildflower attracts bees and beetles in partial sun to shaded conditions.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, CO, IA, ID and 15 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
White camas produces tall spikes of creamy white flowers from late spring through summer above narrow, grass-like foliage. This native perennial grows in compact clumps and goes dormant in winter, returning reliably each spring.
Growing White Camas
Grow White Camas in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 4 to 8 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
White Camas takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely toxic to humans and pets if ingested
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
- Uncommon plant that may not be recognized as intentional landscaping
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during the long blooming period from May through July. The nectar-rich blooms provide important food sources for native pollinators.
Common questions
- When does White Camas bloom in Tennessee?
- White Camas blooms from May through July, producing distinctive white flower spikes during late spring and early summer.
- What pollinators visit White Camas flowers?
- White Camas attracts bees and beetles, which are important pollinators for this native Tennessee wildflower.
- What growing conditions does White Camas prefer?
- White Camas tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and adapts to various moisture levels from wet to dry soils.
- Is White Camas HOA-friendly?
- White Camas takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow White Camas? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz