Discover how the camas flower plays a vital ecological and cultural role in Vancouver Island’s Garry oak meadows and why it deserves our protection.
A Legacy Born from Ice
Over 13,000 years ago, as glaciers slowly retreated from Vancouver Island, they left behind fertile ground that would eventually give rise to one of Canada’s rarest ecosystems: the Garry oak meadow. Among the first to take root were oak trees believed to have arrived via drifting branches from the Olympic Peninsula.
This resilient ecosystem, once widespread, now clings to survival in select pockets of British Columbia’s Capital Region. But even in its shrinking form, it continues to nurture a remarkable bloom—one that has stood the test of time and remains central to both biodiversity and Indigenous heritage: the camas flower.
Camas and the Coast Salish: A Deep Connection
Long before modern conservationists took notice, the Coast Salish peoples recognized the importance of camas. These delicate purple flowers weren’t merely admired—they were cultivated.
Conservation biologist Matt Fairbarns explains that the camas bulb was a staple food source for the Lekwungen-speaking peoples of southern Vancouver Island. “They would pit-cook the bulb to convert starches into a digestible form. It was a cornerstone of their agricultural system,” Fairbarns said.
A Celebration Rooted in Awareness
Today, that legacy is honored each spring during Camas Day, a community-led celebration spearheaded by environmental educator Margaret Lidkea. Held at Oak Bay’s scenic Cattle Point, the event brings together locals for guided meadow tours, live music, and an educational exploration of the Garry oak ecosystem.
“We’re celebrating the beautiful camas flower as a symbol of all the wallflowers in this endangered ecosystem,” Lidkea shared. “Camas stands out not just for its beauty but for its cultural and ecological value.”
A Habitat at Risk
Although camas itself isn’t currently endangered, the same cannot be said for its habitat. Urban development, invasive species, and climate change continue to encroach upon the last remaining Garry oak meadows.
These ecosystems are more than just scenic—native plants like camas support vital insect, bird, and mammal populations, forming the foundation of a balanced, thriving environment.
How You Can Help
Supporting Garry oak ecosystems doesn’t require vast land or sweeping reforms. According to Lidkea, small actions—like planting camas in your garden—can contribute to ecological corridors that bridge parks and natural green spaces.
“It’s important that the whole community gets involved,” she emphasized. “Protecting this ecosystem ensures future generations get to witness the beauty and value of what once dominated Vancouver Island’s landscapes.”
