Dear Robin: Camassia leichtlinii bulbs are generally 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. C. quamash bulbs are larger and when given moisture can be much larger. as to shape, the best description could be perhaps 'tear-drop' whiten with often a few old scales which are dark brown or black. Hope this helps. Cheers, John E. Bryan > "Robin L. Hansen" wrote: > > Can anyone tell me if there is a difference in the shape of Camassia > quamash bulbs as compared to C. leichtlinii? I have searched all my > keys and other reference books and can find no description of the > bulbs. Martyn & Rix have many photos of plants showing the > underground parts but not of Camassia. I've keyed out some as > leichtlinii, then noticed two distinct bulb shapes when I was > transplanting younger stock that hasn't bloomed yet, and know I may > have mixed tags. If this sounds confused, I am. Please save me from > a terminal state of confusion! > > Robin Hansen, Zone 9 Southwest Oregon Coast > sunny and warm and where's the rain?? > >