Camassia quamash
Camassia quamash
Camassia quamash
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Practical ecological knowledge for the temperate reader. |
Camassia quamash |
Camassia quamash |
Camassia quamash |
"Perennial herb; bulb 1 [or clustered (each bulb has 1 leaf-cluster, 1 scape, or both, so no need to dig up bulbs to make this determination)], coat black or brown." "+/- 6 species, 4 in northwestern North America. (chamass, qám'es, or quamash, Native American word) [Uyeda & Kephart 2006 Syst Bot 31:643–655] California species highly variable, may hybridize, in need of study; bulbs traded among, eaten by Native Americans, perhaps creating local forms." [Jepson]
KEY TO CAMASSIA
1. "Tepals (petal-like segments) twisted together around ovaries after flower wither; flowers more or less radially symmetric; fruiting stalks longer than the bracts"............... Camassia leichtlinii ssp suksdorfii
1. "Tepals spreading apart, not twisted together around ovaries after flowers wither; flowers weakly bilaterally symmetric; with 5 tepals curving upward and 1 pointing downward; fruiting stalks shorter than the bracts".............Camassia quamash
[Jepson]
"The two camas species [Camassia quamash & C. leichtlinii]are distinguishable mainly by flower characteristics: the tepals of the great camas eventually twist together to cover and protect the fruit, while those of the common camas do not, and the common camas has 5 tepals curved upward and the 6 th curved downward." [PCBC2004]
Local Species;
Species Mentioned: Blue Camas (or Camass) (including Common Camas,Camassia quamash,and Great, or Leichtlin's Camas,C. leichtlinii [Turner, Kuhnlein] C.leichtlinii (Wild hyacinth), C.quamash (Quamash) and C.scilloides [ARA]
"Death camas (Zigadenus venenosus), a bulb-bearing plant also in the lily family, often grows in the same habitat as the edible blue camas species, especially on southern Vancouver Island. The flowers are different, being cream-colored and in more compact heads, but the bulbs are very similar, and are highly toxic and potentially fatal. Anyone wishing to eat blue camas bulbs should be extremely careful not to confuse them with those of death camas." [Turner, Kuhnlein]
"A major concern was the possibility of confusing the bulb with that of the edible blue camas. Paul (1968) described how to distinguish between the two: the Camassia bulb has a thin light-brown skin, while that of Zygadenus is pure white." [Turner&Bell1]
Bulbs:They were a staple food of the Coast Salish. [Turner, Kuhnlein] "Camassia spp. (edible camas); Liliaceae—temperate woodlands, oak parklands, W N America; bulbs cooked and eaten by many Indigenous peoples as a staple; main carbohydrate is inulin, a complex sugar based on fructose units." [ETWP]
Harvesting: The bulbs were usually dug after flowering, in summer, although some peoples dug them in spring. The bulbs were dug with a pointed digging stick; only the larger ones were taken, and the smaller ones were left to grow. [Turner, Kuhnlein]
Preparation: The bulbs almost always pit-cooked, usually for 24 hours or more. The Blackfoot left them in the pit with a fire burning overtop for up to 70 hours. Because most of their carbohydrate is in the form of a long-chain sugar, inulin, which is not very digestible, nor very palatable, long term cooking was necessary to chemically break down the inulin into its component fructose molecules. Fructose, a common sugar of fruit and honey, is both easily digested and sweet tasting. Thus, whereasthe raw bulbs are barely usable for human food, the properly cooked bulbs are markedly sweet tasting, and much more digestible. [Turner, Kuhnlein]
The cooked bulbs could be served right away or sun-dried for storage or trade. The cooked bulbs were described as "something like a prune and a chestnut". The bulbs were often served with oil; for example, the Nuu-chah-nulth (Westcoast) people served them with whale or seal oil, and, in more recent times, with corn oil. Sometimes the bulbs were flattened or broken into pieces before drying. The dried bulbs were reconstituted by soaking in water or by cooking in soups and stews with meat or fish. [Turner, Kuhnlein]
"Their bulbs are edible, raw or cooked, and are excellent baked with a delicious sweet chestnut flavour." [ARA]
"Quamash is also dried and made into a powder, which is used as a thickener in stews or mixed with cereal flours when making bread." [Prance TCHP]
"Camas (Camassia quamash and C. leichtlinii) was featured in families’ seasonal harvesting rounds, trade and reciprocity relations between communities and families, feasting, language, and stories. There was much traditional knowledge about its ecology and management. Formerly, camas patches were cleared and tended (Babcock 1967–1969), and people harvested the bulbs tremendous quantities: hundreds of thousands of bulbs annually from southern Vancouver Island (Deur and Turner 2005)." [Apostol RPNW]
Camassia quamash, C. leichtlinii; "Camas was the most important vegetable food used by the Vancouver Island Salish. It was abundant and easy to gather. It was virtually the only extensive source of starch in a diet which was mainly fish and meat, and was as important to the Indians as the potato is to white people. Most of the camas used by the Island Salish was gathered from coastal bluffs or, particularly after the coming of the white man, from small off-shore islands. The Songish used to dig their bulbs from the grasslands of Beacon Hill Park, and the Saanich dug theirs from many of the smaller Gulf Islands, such as Mandarte and Arbutus Islands (Suttles, 1951). Areas over rock were usually preferred because the bulbs were not very deep. The bulb beds were generally divided into family plots, which were passed down from generation to generation. These plots, although not actually farmed, were cleared of stones, weeds, and brush from year to year." [Turner&Bell1]
Camassia quamash, C. leichtlinii; "Neither of these species grows in the territory of the Kwakiutl (Taylor, 1966), but the bulbs were apparently obtained by trade from the Coast Salish Indians of the Comox-Courtenay area, where they were a staple food (Turner & Bell, 1971). The Kwakiutl probably cooked them in the same way as their Coast Salish neighbours, by steaming them in pits. Boas (1921) stated that the name, mfit'exsdi, was somehow related to that of Abies grandis." [Turner&Bell2]
Phytochemistry
"Saponins of chlorogenin (887, Table 2.8) glycosylated only at C-6 are present in the bitter-tasting bulbs of Camassia cusickii (Liliaceae). They also contain glycosides of (25R)-6a-hydroxy-5a-spirostan-3-one (1061) and (25R)-3,3-dimethoxy-5a-spirostan-6a-ol (1062). This latter is a ketal form of the carbonyl compound 1061 and is claimed not to be an artifact of the isolation process (Mimaki et al. 1991). [Hostettmann Saponins]
Cultivation
Extensive patches of camas on southern Vancouver Island and the offshore islands were maintained by burning and clearing of brush. [Turner, Kuhnlein] "enhanced by periodic landscape burning" [Turner KIL]
"The Indians of the Pacific Northwest selectively harvest camas (Camassia spp.) bulbs, leaving the smaller ones behind for future harvests, and historically fired the prairies to improve the quality and numbers of the bulbs.39" [Anderson TTW]
"Camas (Camassia quamash and Camassia leichtlinii) was particularly important for most tribes. In the spring after a fire, a higher proportion of camas plants flower than in unburned adjacent areas (Jancaitis 2001). It appears that plants from the lily family respond to fire physiologically by producing more flowers and possibly more seed." [Apostol RPNW]
"On southern Vancouver Island, there is also evidence that people re-planted the smaller bulbs of camas (Camassia spp.), selecting only the large ones to cook and eat. Some people also talked about planting the seed stalks in the upturned ground when the bulbs were being harvested in the summertime (Babcock 1967; Stern 1934:42-43; Suttles 1951a,b)." [FCTM USDA]
Identification
"Camassia leichtlinii is a BULB growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 3 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf 8-Mar It is in flower from Jun to July, and the seeds ripen in July. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil."[PFAF]
"General: Perennial herb from a deep, egg-shaped bulb 2-4 cm long; flowering stems 20-100 cm tall, smooth." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Leaves: Basal leaves several to numerous, linear-lanceolate and grass-like, to 60 cm long, 1-2 cm wide, smooth, sheathing at the base, the margins entire; stem leaves lacking." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Flowers: Inflorescence a terminal raceme of 5 to many, stalked flowers, the stalks 1-4 cm long, spreading in flower, spreading to ascending in fruit; flowers pale to deep blue, rarely white, of 6 similar, distinct tepals, the tepals 20-40 mm long, 5-10 mm wide, twisting together over the ovaries when withered; stamens 6; pistil 1, 3-chambered." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Fruits: Capsules, egg-shaped to oblong, cross-ridged, 1-2.5 cm long; fruiting stalks often longer than bracts, spreading to ascending, curved in towards stem; seeds several to many, shiny black, 2-4 mm long." [IFBC-E-flora]
Status: Native [E-flora]
Habitat / Range "Vernally moist meadows in the lowland zone; locally frequent on SE Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, one report also from adjacent mainland (Sechelt Peninsula); S to CA." [IFBC-E-flora]
Ecological Indicator Information "Shade-intolerant, submontane to montane, Western North American forb distributed more in the Pacific than the Cordilleran region. Species occurs in maritime to submaritime summer-dry cool mesothermal climates on moderately dry to fresh, nitrogenrich soils (Moder and Mull humus forms). Scattered to plentiful in open-canopy Garry oak stands on water-shedding sites; occurrence decreases with increasing elevation and precipitation. Also inhabits meadowlike communities where early spring moisture is followed by mid-summer drought; occasionally found around vernal pools, springs, and intermittent streams." (Information applies to coastal locations only)[IPBC-E-flora]
"raw or cooked[94, 105, 177]. The bulb is about 3cm in diameter[270], eaten raw it has a mild, starchy flavour, but a gummy texture that reduces the enjoyment of it somewhat[K]. It is excellent when slow baked, however, developing a sweet flavour and making a very good potato substitute[183, 256, K]." [PFAF]"Bulbs are eaten raw, boiled, baked, fried, used in pies" [EMNMPV.9]
Preservation: "The cooked bulb can also be dried for later use[183] or ground into a powder and used as a thickener in soups or as an additive to cereal flours when making bread, cakes etc[161]." [PFAF]
Molasses: "The bulbs can be boiled down to make a molasses, this was used on festival occasions by various Indian tribes[183]." [PFAF] "One report says that the bulbs contain inulin (a starch that cannot be digested by humans) but that this breaks down when the bulb is cooked slowly to form the sugar fructose which is sweet and easily digested[256]." [PFAF]
Great Camas – Camassia leichtlinii [Turner, Kuhnlein]
| Part: | Bulb | Per 100 g fresh weight |
| Food Energy (Kcal) | - | Ash (g) | 0.9 | Potassium (mg) | - |
| Water (g) | 82 | Thiamine (mg) | - | Magnesium (mg) | 8.6 |
| Protein (g) | 1 | Riboflavin (mg) | - | Calcium (mg) | 19 |
| Fat (g) | 0.1 | Niacin (mg) | - | Phosphorus (mg) | 49 |
| Carbohydrate (g) | 16.4 | Vitamin C (mg) | - | Sodium (mg) | - |
| Crude Fiber (g) | - | Vitamin A (RE) | - | Iron (mg) | 0.6 |
| Zinc (mg) | 0.4 | Manganese (mg) | 0.3 | Copper (mg) | 0.1 |
Cultivation "A very easily grown plant, it succeeds in almost any soil[42] and is tolerant of considerable neglect once it is established[K]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a rather heavy loam[1] that has plenty of moisture in spring but does not remain wet over the winter[138, 200]. Dislikes dry soils[200]. Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade[138, 200]. A very ornamental plant[1], there are many named varieties[200]. Plants often self-sow[K]. A good bee plant[108]. Plants can be naturalized in damp grass, this should not be trimmed until mid to late summer when the bulbs have flowered and the leaves have died down[134]. This species can be confused with certain poisonous bulbs in the genus Zigadenus[85]. Plant the bulbs 7 - 10cm deep in early autumn and then leave undisturbed[1]. The bulbs should be planted about 20cm deep[233]."[PFAF]
Propagation: "Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[134]. The seed can also be sown in a cold frame in spring[134]. It usually germinates in 1 - 6 months at 15oc, but it can be erratic[138]. 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. Offsets in late summer. The bulb has to be scored in order to produce offsets."[PFAF]
Introduction "This gorgeous true blue BC native has starry lily-like flowers on slender stems in spring from a tuft of grass-like foliage. This species was an important food crop of the First Nations cultures that lived in and around the southern coastal parts of our province. Garry oak meadows and rock outcrops. Coastal mountain forests and wet meadows inland. Marshy meadows in coniferous forest to 2300m." - Gary Lewis, Phoenix Perennials [E-flora]
General:
"Perennial herb from a deep, egg-shaped bulb 2-4 cm long; flowering stems 20-70 cm tall, smooth."
[IFBC-E-flora]
Leaves:
"Basal leaves several to numerous, linear-lanceolate and grass-like, to 50 cm long, 1-3 cm wide, smooth, sheathing at the base, the margins entire; stem leaves lacking."
[IFBC-E-flora]
Flowers:
"Inflorescence a terminal raceme of 5 to many, stalked flowers, the stalks 1-2 cm long, spreading in flower, ascending to erect in fruit; flowers pale to deep blue, rarely white, weakly bilaterally symmetric, of 6 similar, distinct tepals, the tepals 15-40 mm long, 2-8 mm wide; stamens 6, anthers yellow to violet; pistil 1, 3-chambered."
[IFBC-E-flora]
Fruits:
"Capsules, egg-shaped to oblong, cross-ridged, 1-2.5 cm long; fruiting stalks shorter than the bracts, ascending to erect, curved in towards stem; seeds several to many, shiny black, 2-4 mm long."
[IFBC-E-flora]
Habitat / Range
"Mesic to vernally moist meadows and grasslands in the lowland, steppe and montane zones; locally frequent on SE Vancouver Island (ssp. azurea rare in peatlands on W Vancouver Island), the Gulf Islands and SE BC; E to AB and S to MT, ID and WA." [IFBC-E-flora]
Notes:
Two subspecies are known from BC:
Ecological Indicator Information
"Shade-intolerant, submontane to montane, Western North American forb distributed more in the Pacific than the Cordilleran region. Species occurs in maritime to submaritime summer-dry cool mesothermal climates on moderately dry to fresh, nitrogen-rich soils (Moder and Mull humus forms). Scattered to plentiful in open-canopy Garry oak stands on water-shedding sites; occurrence decreases with increasing elevation and precipitation. Also inhabits meadow-like communities where early spring moisture is followed by mid-summer drought; occasionally found around vernal pools, springs, and intermittent streams." [IPBC][E-flora]
Nutritional Information
Common Camas – Camassia quamash [Turner, Kuhnlein]
| Part: | Bulbs | Per 100 g fresh weight |
| Food Energy (Kcal) | 61 | Ash (g) | 0.8 | Potassium (mg) | - |
| Water (g) | 83 | Thiamine (mg) | 0.07 | Magnesium (mg) | 8.6 |
| Protein (g) | 0.9 | Riboflavin (mg) | 0.05 | Calcium (mg) | 17 |
| Fat (g) | 0.1 | Niacin (mg) | - | Phosphorus (mg) | 45 |
| Carbohydrate (g) | 14.8 | Vitamin C (mg) | 4 | Sodium (mg) | - |
| Crude Fiber (g) | 0.5 | Vitamin A (RE) | - | Iron (mg) | 1.6 |
| Zinc (mg) | 0.5 | Manganese (mg) | 0.3 | Copper (mg) | 0.1 |
"Succeeds in almost any soil[42]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a rather heavy loam[1] that has plenty of moisture in spring but does not remain wet over the winter[138, 200]. Dislikes dry soils[200]. Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade[138, 200]. The dormant bulbs are very hardy and will withstand soil temperatures down to at least -10oc[214]. Quamash is a very pretty flowering bulb that has quite a large potential as an edible ornamental plant[K]. It grows very well in the flower border but can also be naturalised in damp grass[134]. We are intending to grow it in a grassed-down orchard in our Cornish trial ground. The bulbs flower in late spring and early summer and have completely died down by early July so they do not interfere with harvesting the apple crop. The grass in the orchard will be cut in early spring before the quamash comes into growth, but will not be cut again until July. The bulbs will be harvested at any time from July to December and, since it is impossible to find all the bulbs, it is hoped that those remaining will be able to increase and supply bulbs for future years[K]. A polymorphic and very ornamental plant[1], there are some named varieties[200]. The subspecies C. quamash maxima has larger bulbs than the type, up to 65mm in diameter[270]. A good bee plant[108]. This species can be confused with certain poisonous bulbs in the genus Zigadenus[85]. Plant the bulbs 7 - 10cm deep in early autumn and then leave undisturbed[1]." [PFAF]
"Traditional gathering sites for the edible bulb camas (Camassia quamash) are ancient in California. The low genetic variability in populations of the species in the Sierra Nevada is probably a result of the trading and selective harvesting practices of various tribes over long periods—a demonstration of both dispersal and selection (Susan D’Alcamo, botanist, pers. comm. 1993)." [Anderson TTW]
"Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[134]. The seed can also be sown in a cold frame in spring[134]. It usually germinates in 1 - 6 months at 15oc, but it can be erratic[138]. 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. Offsets in late summer. The bulb has to be scored in order to produce offsets." [PFAF]
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