travelers. Both the Bannock and Nez Perce Wars began after Nez Perce became incensed at the failure of the US government to uphold treaties, and at settlers who plowed up their camas prairies, which they depended on for subsistence. Cultivation This bulbflower naturalizes well in gardens. The bulb grows best in well-drained soil high in humus. It will grow in lightly shaded forest areas and on rocky outcrops as well as in open meadows or prairies. Additionally it is found growing alongside streams and rivers. The plants may be divided in autumn after the leaves have withered. Additionally the plant spreads by seed rather than by runners. Uses Camas is grown as an ornamental plant. Even in the wild, large numbers of camas can color an entire meadow blue-violet. Food The bulbs of Camassia species are edible and nutritious when roasted or boiled, but should not be confused with the toxic white-flowered meadow death-camas; the bulbs are difficult to distinguish. Camas has been a food source for many native peoples in the western United States and Canada. After being harvested in the autumn, once the flowers have withered, the bulbs are pit-roasted or boiled. The latter produced a syrup. A pit-cooked camas bulb looks and tastes something like baked sweet potato, but sweeter, and with more crystalline fibers due to the presence of inulin in the bulbs—an oligosaccharide responsible for the copious flatulence caused by excessive consumption or consumption of undercooked bulbs. Bulbs can also be dried and pounded into flour, which can be used for baking or as a thickener. Native American tribes who ate camas include the Nez Perce, Cree, Coast Salish, Lummi, and Blackfoot tribes, among many others. Camas bulbs contributed to the survival of members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–06). Camas bulbs (and bannock made from them) are listed in the Ark of Taste. References External links Flora of North America: Camassia quamash Plants For A Future: Camassia quamash Michigan State University Extension: Camassia quamash Agavoideae Plants used in Native American cuisine Root vegetables Garden plants Flora of Alberta Flora of British Columbia Flora of Idaho Flora of Montana Flora of Oregon Flora of Washington (state) Flora of Wyoming Flora of California Flora of Nevada Flora of Utah Flora of the Sierra Nevada (United States) Cuisine of the Western United States Garden plants of North America Canadian cuisine Crops originating from indigenous Americans Flora