Anticlea elegans subsp. glauca

Common Names

Mountain Death Camas, White Camas, White Death Camas, Alkali-Grass

Summary

Native to North America, this shade-loving perennial has glaucous foliage with basal leaves and underground storage organs, and produces a tall inflorescence that is a raceme or panicle of white to green-brown flowers with an unpleasant odor that are poisonous; it commonly grows on shores of lakes and on cliffs, ridges, and ledges.

Prefers moist, well-drained soil with pH 6.0–7.0 and shade throughout; planting depth 1–2 inches and spacing 12–18 inches; keep soil consistently moist with weekly watering, increasing in dry spells; apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring and mid-season; prune late winter or early spring and mulch with pest monitoring. Propagation by seed (sow 1/4 inch deep; 14–30 days germination) or division in early spring or fall; mature height 24–36 inches, spread 18–24 inches; roots fibrous 12–18 inches deep; used ornamentally, particularly in alpine or gravel garden planting schemes.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1.5-2 feet

Spread

18-24 inches

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun or partial shade; partial shade to full shade.

Soil Type

Calcareous, deep, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; pH 6.0–7.0

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

7.5 and above

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Glaucous (bluish-green)

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts other pollinators