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Lesser Gold-of-pleasure

Camelina microcarpa

Last reviewed: June 2026

Lesser Gold-of-pleasure (Camelina microcarpa)
Photo: (c) Thomas Koffel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Thomas Koffel

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CT

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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.

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.

Does Lesser Gold-of-pleasure fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.