How much sun does Lesser Gold-of-pleasure need?

Lesser Gold-of-pleasure grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Lesser Gold-of-pleasure bloom?

Lesser Gold-of-pleasure blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Lesser Gold-of-pleasure native?

Lesser Gold-of-pleasure (Camelina microcarpa) is native to CT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Lesser Gold-of-pleasure attract?

Lesser Gold-of-pleasure draws bees and beetles.

Is Lesser Gold-of-pleasure HOA-friendly?

Lesser Gold-of-pleasure takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Lesser Gold-of-pleasure

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Camelina microcarpa

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central Basin and Range Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau

Lesser gold-of-pleasure is a small annual wildflower with delicate yellow blooms that appear from May through July. This compact plant grows 6-24 inches tall with a tidy, upright form and requires minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Lesser Gold-of-pleasure takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Dies back completely as annual, leaving bare spots
Can appear weedy or unkempt
May self-seed unpredictably

Wildlife value

The small yellow flowers attract native bees and beneficial beetles during the summer blooming period. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar resources for pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Lesser Gold-of-pleasure need?: Lesser Gold-of-pleasure grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Lesser Gold-of-pleasure bloom?: Lesser Gold-of-pleasure blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Lesser Gold-of-pleasure native?: Lesser Gold-of-pleasure (Camelina microcarpa) is native to CT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Lesser Gold-of-pleasure attract?: Lesser Gold-of-pleasure draws bees and beetles.
Is Lesser Gold-of-pleasure HOA-friendly?: Lesser Gold-of-pleasure takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Lesser Gold-of-pleasure? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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