Camassia leichtlinii Alba

Camassia leichtlinii Blanc or Camas is a perennial bulbous plant with a bushy habit. This compact plant blooms from May to June. This flowering is exceptional with spikes of single star-shaped flowers in ivory white. These spikes, held on flowering stems, measure from 10 to 30 cm (4 to 12in) long. The inflorescence occurs from bottom to top. The flowers, 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3in) wide, are composed of 6 petals that twist as they fade.

At maturity, Camassia measures from 60 to 130 cm (24 to 51in) tall. Its linear leaves are a vibrant green and measure from 20 to 60 cm (8 to 24in) long. They form a clump from which the flowering stems emerge. Native to Oregon in the northwest of the United States, the plant is very hardy. It can be found in borders, rock gardens, fields of plants, as well as rocky gardens, as it is a plant that can grow anywhere. You can cultivate it in containers to place on a patio or balcony. The flowers of the Camassia are also lovely in bouquets.

Grow it alongside later flowering perennials that will hide its withered leaves in summer, such as Japanese peonies. Camassia leichtlinii takes its name from the German Max Leichtlinn. It is a vegetable plant that has an edible bulb, consumed by Native American tribes. However, these bulbs are not appreciated by rodents, allowing the plant to be among the hardiest bulbous plants, especially as it tolerates semi-shaded situations in cool to moist soil.