Camassia leichtlinii Semiplena

Camassia Leichtlinii Semiplena or camas is a perennial bulbous plant with a bushy habit, the most exuberant of the camassias. It flowers from May to June, being the last of the camassias to bloom. However, this flowering is exceptional with spikes of about thirty double star-shaped flowers in cream white. These upright spikes measure from 20 to 50 cm (8 to 20in) long. The inflorescence occurs from the bottom to the top. The flowers, 5 cm (2in) wide, are composed of 6 petals that twist as they fade.

At adulthood, the Camassia measures from 60 to 130 cm (24 to 51in) in height. Its linear leaves are bright green and measure from 20 to 60 cm (8 to 24in) long. They form a tuft from which the floral stems emerge. Native to Oregon in the northwest of the United States, the plant is very hardy. It can be found in flower beds, borders, rockeries, fields, as well as rocky gardens as it is a plant that can grow anywhere. You can cultivate it in a container to place it on a patio or balcony. Camassia flowers are also beautiful in bouquets.

Grow it in the company of later flowering perennials that will hide its withered leaves in summer, such as Japanese peonies. Camassia leichtlinii takes its name from the German Max Leichtlinn. It is a vegetable plant that has an edible bulb, eaten by Native American tribes. These bulbs, however, are not a favourite of rodents, which allows the plant to be among the most resistant bulbous plants, just like daffodils.