Description

The camas lily grows in moist settings in the mountains of Northern California on into the Northwest and Alberta, Canada. In moist meadows it may form extensive colonies. Like other members of the agave family (alternately, the lily family), it grows as a rosette of strap-like leaves after emerging from winter dormancy. After several years, the bulb will be of sufficient size to invest in a tall spike of violet flowers with a yellow center. Once the flowers are spent, the flowers may be removed, or allowed to produce seed, which will be abundant. This hardy bulb tolerates a variety of conditions but should receive regular water. It is one of the few bulbous plants in California that will thrive with regular water. It is also a good candidate for a deep pot.