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.

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: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Lesser Gold-of-pleasure (Camelina microcarpa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Lesser Gold-of-pleasure

Lesser Gold-of-pleasure is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

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.
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.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz