Standard English Name(s): great camas (Camassia leichtlinii), common camas (C. quamash)
Local English Name(s) (if different from above): camas
Scientific Name(s): Camassia leichtlinii (Baker) S. Wats., C. quamash (Pursh) Greene
Upriver Halkomelem Name(s): spe:lxw
Downriver Halkomelem Name(s): spe:nxw
Island Halkomelem Name(s): spe:nxw

Description, Habitat, Ecology, & Distribution:
     Common camas is a perennial herb that grows from a deep bulb producing grasslike leaves and pale to deep blue (occasionally white) flowers. Camas is found in grassy slopes and meadows at low to middle elevations. It occurs on southeast Vancouver Island and at other locations along the coast southward. Great camas is very similar, though less common, and may be found in similar areas.

Upriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     The steamed bulbs were eaten.

Downriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
Island Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     Camas bulbs may be roasted and eaten, and are said to be sweet and chewy. They have been gathered from island bluffs and baked, steamed or roasted in hot ashes, or mashed and formed into patties and then roasted on special flat rocks at the edge of the fire.