noun
- plural of quamash; edible bulbs of certain plants in the lily family, especially those of the genus Camassia, traditionally used as food by Native American peoples
Usage: botanical; historical
Examples
- The Native American tribes harvested quamashes in late spring when the bulbs were at their peak.
- Quamashes were an important food source for many Pacific Northwest indigenous communities.
- The blue flowers of quamashes bloom in meadows throughout the region.
- Traditional preparation of quamashes involved pit-roasting the bulbs for several days.
- Settlers learned about the nutritional value of quamashes from local tribes.