camass

Thân thiện

A blue camass blooms in a sunny meadow.

Definition

Noun 1. A perennial plant of the genus Camassia: Any of several bulbous herbs native to North and South America, known for their star-shaped blue, purple, or white flowers and historically important as a food source for Indigenous peoples and settlers.

Usage Examples

• The meadow was dotted with the blue flowers of the camass.
• Early explorers documented the use of camass bulbs as a staple food.
• Camass is sometimes called wild hyacinth due to the shape of its flower cluster.

Advanced Usage

• Common camass or Quamash: Refers specifically to , one of the most widespread and historically significant species.
• Death camas: A critical distinction. This term refers to toxic plants of the genus (formerly ), which resemble edible camass but are poisonous. Proper identification is essential.

Variants and Related Words

• Camassia: The botanical genus name for camass.
• Quamash: A common name for .
• Wild hyacinth: A descriptive common name for camass.

Synonyms

• Quamash
• Wild hyacinth (Note: This name is also used for other plants, so context is important.)

Notes on Meaning

The word camass refers specifically to the edible plants in the genus Camassia. Its primary meaning is botanical. Its historical and cultural significance stems from its role as a carbohydrate-rich food source, where the bulbs were traditionally pit-cooked or roasted.

Học thuật

Noun

1. any of several plants of the genus Camassia; North and South America

Từ đồng nghĩa

• camas
• quamash
• camosh
• camash