Camassia leichtlinii (Bak.) S. Wats.
Large Camas, Wild Hyacinth
Photography:
Dr. Allan Armitage
Range: Western N. America -
Climate, elevation: Hardy to -40° C, Sea level
to 650’
Local occurrence (where, how common): Common
Habitat preferences: Meadows, prairies and
hillsides that are moist in early spring. Likes sun but tolerates light shade.
Plant strategy type/successional stage: This plant is a grassland forb. There is some evidence to suggest that it may expand its range after fire and enjoy sites opened by disturbance.
Associated Species: Elymus
glaucus, Danthonia californica, Festuca roemerii, Mains fusca, Prunus emarginata, Ribes sanguineum, Aster subspicatus, Camassia quamash, Ranunculus occidentalis,
Trifolium microdon, Trifolium microcephalum, Montia perfoliata, Brodiaea hyacinthine, Dodecatheon
pulchellum, Brodiaea coronaria, Allium cernuum
May be collected as: Seeds or
bulb offsets
Collection restrictions or guidelines: Unlisted
(no restrictions). Collect seed when ripe in July
Seed germination: Best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or can also be sown in a cold frame in spring. Germination takes 1 - 6 months at 15°c, but it can be erratic.
Seed life: Fresh sowing is recommended although success has been had after six months of storage
Recommended seed storage conditions: Cool and dry
Propagation recommendations: Sow the seed
thinly so that it does not need to be thinned and allow the seedlings to grow
on undisturbed for their first year. Give an occasional liquid feed to ensure
that the plants do not become nutrient deficient. When the plants are dormant
in late summer, pot up the small bulbs putting 2 - 3 bulbs in each pot. Grow
them on for another one or two years in a cold frame before planting them out
when dormant in late summer. Can also be propagated from offsets in late summer. The bulb
has to be scored in order to produce offsets.
Soil or medium requirements: Enjoys heavy loam mixes, but tolerant
of other soil types. Needs
moisture during growing season.
Installation form: Dormant bulbs
Recommended planting density: 15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
Care requirements after installed: Goes dormant in summer and does not need follow up watering
Normal rate of growth or spread; lifespan: Long lived, spreads readily by seed
Sources cited:
Bein, M. and L. Heinbuch, UVic Garry Oak Meadow Restoration Project, September 23, 2003, http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:mgi9iNrsGsQJ:www.finearts.uvic.ca/~ambein/UVicGOMRP_Plan.pdf+camassia+leichtlinii+associated+species&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=6, (Accessed 5/21/06)
Dave’s Garden, Dave Whitinger, http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/1589/, (Accessed 5/21/06)
Dunwiddie, P.W., Management and Restoration of Grasslands
on Yellow Island, San Juan Islands, Washington, USA, Conserve On-Line
Documents, http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:dX-aVpVD6f0J:conserveonline.org/docs/2002/04/Management_and_Restoration_of_Grasslands_on_Yellow_Island2.doc+camassia+leichtlinii+abundance&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=1,
(Accessed 5/21/06)
Plants
for a Future,
USDA,
PLANTS database. http://plants.usda.gov (Accessed 5/21/06)
Data compiled by: Sierra Smith 5/9/06