Catherine Creek, Washington

Climate: Transition between western and eastern cascades.
Dry soil, pine forests with open meadows.
May 12, 2007

Camassia quamash (Common camas)	Camassia quamash Family: Agavaceae Food: This plant was a major food source for natives of the Pacific Northwest. It was traditionally cooked by steaming it in a pit for a day or more. It tastes somewhat like yams or sweet potatoes. It can be safely harvested in the spring as it is not easily confused with its deadly look-alike (Zigadenus paniculatus or Death camas). It is traditionally harvested in the Fall when the beautiful flowers are no longer present to differentiate the two plants. I have heard it said that the natives would weed Death camas out of the patches of Common camas so they would not make a mistake in the Fall.
Ceanothus integerrimus (Deer Brush)
Clarkia spp.???
Brodiaea congesta
Eriogonum compositum (Heartleaf buckwheat)
Geranium molle
Lewisia rediviva (Bitter root)
Marah oreganus (Man root)
Phacelia heterophylla
Plagiobothrys tenellus (Pacific popcorn flower)
Ranunculus occidentalis (Buttercup)
Rhus diversilobum (Poison oak)
Rumex acetosella (Sheep sorrell)
Sanicula crassicaulis
Scutellaria angustifolia (Skullcap)
Trifolium dubium
Trifolium variegatum
Triteleia grandiflorum var Howellii (Brodiaea howellii)