Great Camas 'Alba' is a white-flowered cultivar of Great Camas (Camassia leichtlinii), a stunning, emblematic perennial bulb of western North America. It is found in various habitats, including seasonally wet meadows, prairies, oak savannah and other open woodlands. Great Camas has a native range that extends from British Columbia to California and Idaho. Still prized for their vibrant blooms, the large bulbs produce tall spikes adorned with beautiful clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, and sometimes white.
 
Typically blooming in late spring to early summer, the tall flower spikes rise above the lush, grassy foliage to attract various pollinators, especially bumblebees, native bees, and occasionally hummingbirds. Various wildlife species, including deer and elk, commonly graze on the leaves and green seed pods. While it is a food source for these browsing animals and plants are typically not damaged by browsing, heavy browsing of seed pods will prevent plants from reproducing. Aside from habitat loss, once abundant populations of species like Great Camas have also (in some places) been heavily impacted by deer in the absence of historic populations of predators such as wolves and mountain lions. 
 
Great Camas holds great historic and cultural significance among Native American peoples. Pre-colonial communities relied on the bulbs of Great Camas as a staple food source, often using various methods to cultivate, harvest, cook, and process them. The cultivation and harvesting of Great Camas played a significant role in the cultural practices of these tribes and contributed to the sustainable management of plant populations. When properly prepared, the large bulbs have a creamy texture and a flavor often compared to baked pear. 
 
Great Camas prefers well-drained but moist or seasonally wet soils. It thrives in a range of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and silty soils, but is commonly found in areas with fertile, organic-rich 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, it will establish itself and form perennial clumps, continuing to bloom and grace the landscape for years to come.