White Camass

About White Camass

White Camass, also known as Mountain Deathcamas (Anticlea elegans), is a stately and elegant member of the lily family that produces shimmering racemes of star-shaped, greenish-white flowers. Growing 1 to 3 feet tall, this perennial features grass-like basal leaves and striking blooms that appear in mid-summer, each petal marked with a distinct green gland at the base. It is native across much of North America, from Alaska down through the western and northern U.S., found in habitats ranging from moist meadows to rocky alpine slopes. While its beauty is undeniable, gardeners must handle it with extreme care as all parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids that are dangerous if ingested. Ecologically, it serves as a nectar source for various native bees and flies. It performs best in full to partial sun and prefers medium-moist, well-drained soils. Because it grows from a bulb, it integrates easily into perennial borders or native meadows, where its vertical form provides excellent contrast to lower-growing species.