Camassia scilloides aka Wild Hyacinth

Camassia scilloides is a spring-blooming bulb in the asparagus family. Its names include wild hyacinth, eastern camas, and Atlantic camas. It grows wild from Ontario through the central and eastern United States. Its range reaches south to Georgia and Texas. It grows in moist meadows, open woods, and along streams. Other habitats include prairies, rocky slopes, and limestone glades.

Plants usually stand 1–2 feet [0.30–0.61 m] tall. Some reach 3 feet [0.91 m]. Clumps spread 1–2 feet [0.30–0.61 m] wide. Narrow green leaves form a rosette at ground level. They reach 0.42–1.25 feet [0.13–0.38 m] long. Each leaf has smooth edges and a raised midrib beneath. A slim, smooth green stem rises above the leaves. The leaves yellow after bloom and die back by midsummer. Plants can live for many years.

Loose racemes carry scented flowers in April and May. Flowers open from the base of each raceme upward. Each stalk may carry as many as 20 blooms. The star-shaped flowers have six points and bright yellow stamens. Their shades range from pale blue through pink to white. Green bracts spread out below each flower. Bees, flies, butterflies, and wasps visit for nectar. The fruit is a small capsule with three chambers. It changes from green to brown as it ripens. Each capsule holds many small, shiny black seeds.

Grow this bulb in full sun or part shade. Full sun gives the best results, though open woodland suits it. It prefers fertile, moist soil rich in organic matter. Acid soil suits it, and neutral soil also works. Good drainage matters, but the plant tolerates clay. Give it regular water during spring growth and bloom. It accepts drier soil once it starts its summer rest. Plant bulbs in fall and leave them undisturbed. Seed-grown plants may take three or four years to flower. It is hardy in USDA zones 4–8.

Use groups in meadows, woodland gardens, borders, or beside ponds. The flowers also suit cutting and pollinator gardens. Fading leaves can look untidy after the flowers end. Strong stems seldom need support, and care needs are low. Serious pest and disease troubles are few. NC State lists narcissus bulb fly as a possible pest. The bulbs are edible raw or cooked. Indigenous peoples used them as food, including dried flour. Correct identification matters: poisonous death camas has similar bulbs.