Pest identification
What's eating my camassia leichtlinii?
Slugs and snails
Signs: Spring foliage tips and lower leaves are chewed, with slime trails visible; rarely severe enough to threaten established plants.
Control: Iron phosphate pellets in early spring; hand-pick at dusk; ensure good drainage to reduce slug-friendly conditions.
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on tall flower stems cause sticky honeydew and minor leaf distortion; more visible than damaging.
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; attract ladybirds and hoverflies by planting companion flowers nearby.
Keep camassia leichtlinii pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Camassia leichtlinii pests — FAQ
What is eating my camassia leichtlinii?
Camassia is notably pest-resistant and largely avoided by deer and rabbits due to its alkaloid content. Slugs may damage emerging foliage in spring. Aphids can appear on tall flower spikes. Squirrels rarely target the large bulbs. It is one of the best low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly bulbs for naturalising in grass.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on camassia leichtlinii?
Spring foliage tips and lower leaves are chewed, with slime trails visible; rarely severe enough to threaten established plants. Iron phosphate pellets in early spring; hand-pick at dusk; ensure good drainage to reduce slug-friendly conditions.
How do I get rid of aphids on camassia leichtlinii?
Colonies on tall flower stems cause sticky honeydew and minor leaf distortion; more visible than damaging. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; attract ladybirds and hoverflies by planting companion flowers nearby.