What's eating my camas?

Camas (Camassia quamash) is a North American prairie bulb that deer and rabbits browse readily in garden settings, making them the primary threat. Aphids cluster on flower stems in spring. Bulb mites can damage roots in heavy soils. Gophers and voles tunnel underground to eat bulbs, especially in western US gardens where this plant is native.

Flower stems and foliage browsed down to near ground level; plants may fail to flower if grazed repeatedly Use deer-resistant fencing or wire cloches over individual clumps; apply deer repellent sprays; plant in a fenced kitchen garden or raised bed

Bulbs tunnelled into and eaten underground; plants disappear without warning; raised tunnel ridges in soil Plant bulbs in buried wire cages (hardware cloth baskets); use underground wire mesh lining in beds; trapping in severe infestations

Clusters on flower stems and buds; sticky honeydew and possible sooty mould; minor distortion Apply insecticidal soap; dislodge with water; natural predators usually control aphid pressure before significant damage occurs