Common Camas (Camassia quamash ssp. maxima) has a native range that extends from British Columbia to California and east to Wyoming. It is primarily found in damp meadows, seasonal streambanks, oak savannah and other open woodlands. Giant Camas has a native range that extends from British Columbia in Canada down to Oregon and California in the United States. Highly desirable for its stunning display of low flower spikes adorned with numerous blue-to-purple star-petalled blooms, camas has recently seen a return in popularity in standard nurseries. 
 
The blooming period for Common Camas typically occurs in late spring to early summer. During this time, the flower spikes emerge above the grass-like foliage, showcasing the beautiful clusters of flowers. Common Camas has a close relationship with native bees, particularly bumblebees and mining bees, which are important pollinators for this plant. Hummingbirds are also occasional visitors. The leaves and bulbs are consumed by various herbivorous mammals, including deer, elk, and rodents. Despite browsing, these plants have adapted to tolerate grazing, regrowing from their perennial bulbs and persisting in their native habitats. Still, once abundant populations of species like Common Camas have in some places been heavily impacted by deer in the absence of historic populations of predators such as wolves and mountain lions. 
 
Native American peoples harvested the bulbs of Common Camas, which are rich in carbohydrates, and used them as a staple food, often using various methods to cultivate, harvest, cook, and process them. When properly prepared, the large bulbs have a creamy texture and a flavor often compared to baked pear. The consumption of these bulbs played a significant cultural and dietary role and contributed to the sustainable management of plant populations. 
 
Common Camas prefer well-drained but seasonally damp soils. It thrives in a range of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and silty soils. Seeds can be surface sown in bulbs trays or in place from fall to late winter, and lightly covered with sand or fine soil. Plants in their 2nd year and older require dry dormancy through summer and should only be watered once or twice per month until fall rains return. Seedlings are small, singular, grass-like leaves that require 3-4 years to reach blooming maturity. The plant possesses retractile roots, which pull the developing bulbs deeper into the soil substrate with each growing season. With proper conditions and care, Common Camas will establish itself and form perennial clumps, continuing to bloom and grace the landscape for years to come.