Several years ago DH and I were traveling through south central Idaho in late May across an area called Camas Prairie. In every wild meadow I could see the haze of acres of tall blue flowers. I wondered what big blue wild flower was growing all over Camas Prairie. Duh.
Blue Camas grows wild in the middle altitudes of the
westernUnited States and British Columbia .
western
The plant comes from a bulb similar to that of a tulip. Camas bulbs were a staple food source for many native people long before white explorers arrived. The bulbs were pit-roasted or boiled. When dried they were pounded into flour which was used to make a bread.
Lewis and Clark wrote about seeing the “quawmash in blume” and how the meadow
“resemhles a lake of fine clear water.”..." [Clark, June 12, 1806, at Weippe Prairie , Idaho ]
I was able to purchase some Camas bulbs and I planted them in my garden.
They have thrived and every spring there are more.
I’ve never tried boiling them, but I understand they taste something like sweet potato but sweeter.
Ooo! Something new and fun to try in the garden! They're beautiful. :)
ReplyDeleteI never knew that - that is so cool! And the blue is so amazing! I'm so glad they are thriving in your garden, Leenie.
ReplyDeleteOh who could bear to boil the bulbs of such a beautiful plant.
ReplyDeletei love the personal connection we feel with our flowers and plants, so profound. the thoughts they evoke....
ReplyDeletegorgeous pictures!!!
Those are beautiful. I don't think we have those jewels here. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLinda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
Lovely AND educational! Always worth stopping by, Leenie. I never come away without something wonderful (and you are like salve to the homesick soul of this transplanted westerner).
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful I don' think I have ever seen them. Nice colour.
ReplyDeleteDarn spell check always says Colour should be color so just ignore, that is how we do it here in Canada. LOL B
Blue flower draws out a latent emotion from me. I feel much vivid energy by Camas Lily. Thank you !
ReplyDelete