The New International Encyclopædia/Quamash

QUAM′ASH (from the North American Indian name), or Biscuit Root (Camassia esculenta) . A North American bulbous plant of the natural order Liliaceæ, nearly allied to hyacinth, abounding on the prairies. The roasted bulbs are agreeable and nutritious, and are much used by the Indians for food. The scapes, which are sheathed at their bases, are a foot or more tall and bear 10-40 blue or purple flowers. A smaller species, Camassia Fraseri, is found from Pennsylvania south and west. Other species, indigenous to the Pacific coast region, are sometimes cultivated in the East.