Camassia leichtlinii goes by the common name of leichtlin camass or great camass. Two subspecies of Camassia are found in North America. Subspecies leichtlinii is pale yellow and has the most restricted range, while subspecies suksdorfii is known for its blue-to-violet flowers and can be found from British Columbia south to California.

Camass was a favorite of Native Americans, who roasted it in pits to create a dish that looked and tasted very similar to sweet potatoes, but which contained a granular inulin component. Before roasting, please ensure you can tell the difference between Camassia and the very similar-looking bulbs of the aptly named "death camass" (Veratrum species).