Camassia quamash
Plant Details
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acid Neutral Basic
Half shade, Sun
Usage properties
Root
Bee plant
Description
Bulb: raw or cooked. The bulb can reach a diameter of 5 cm. In its raw state, it has a mild, starchy flavor and a sticky texture. Cooked, the bulb is tastier, with a delightful sweet flavor comparable to chestnuts. Moreover, the bulb is highly nutritious and can be slowly fried for a different delicious result. The bulb can also be dried and turned into powder, which can serve as a thickening agent in stews or be mixed with grain flour to make bread or pastries. Additionally, it can be boiled down to molasses, which was once used by indigenous tribes during festive occasions. The bulbs can be harvested year-round, but are best in early summer when the seeds are ripe. These bulbs contain inulin, which dissolves when slowly cooked and transforms into fructose, a sweet sugar.
Harvest Data
Guilds
Guild Information
Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.
Guild Details
| Guild | Description |
|---|---|
|
Aster tripolium Sea Aster |
Aster tripolium helps to attract pollinators, which can improve the pollination of Camassia quamash flowers. |
|
Lupinus perennis Sundial lupine, Wild lupine |
Lupinus perennis can fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility and benefiting Camassia quamash. |
|
Achillea millefolium Yarrow, Boreal yarrow, California yarrow, Giant yarrow, Coast yarrow, Western yarrow, Pacific yarrow |
Achillea millefolium can attract beneficial insects and improve the overall ecosystem, which aids Camassia quamash. |
|
Coriandrum sativum Koriander |
Heuchera provides ground cover that helps to suppress weeds and maintain moisture, benefiting Camassia quamash. |
|
Thymus vulgaris Common Thyme, Garden thyme, Wild Thyme |
Thymus vulgaris can attract pollinators and improve the flavor profile of nearby herbs, complementing Camassia quamash. |