Cussick's camas (Camassia cusickii)

Family: Asparagaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Camassia cusickii is a BULB growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet, anise-squash flavour. — The cooked bulb has a sweet, anise-squash flavour.; Pressure cook at 250°F or 120°C for nine hours.; A larger bulb than other species in this genus but the flavour is considered poorer.; Considered pungent, slimy, and bitter tasting by some (summitpost.org).

Habitat & North American Range

Damp meadows at subalpine and alpine elevations (4,000–6,000 feet (1,200–1,800 m) and tolerates pond edges, rich soils, and bloom well in either sun or shade. (Zone 3)