Native to British Columbia, the American Pacific Northwest, Montana and Wyoming. This plant was a major foodstuff of the Native Americans living within its range. The bulbs were roasted in pits, providing a sweet and nutritious staple food. There are vague references in the ethnographic literature to the medicinal use of Blue Camas, but it appears that the specific applications have been lost and forgotten.
Cold conditioning is required.
Sow in fall, midwinter or very early spring, after which germination occurs as the ground warms up. Plant 6 inches apart. Prefers moist garden soil or meadowland that is moist in the spring and dries out in the summer. Flowers blue, to 20 inches tall.