Lesser Gold-of-pleasure
Camelina microcarpa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CT
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.