Camelina sativa

RHS Plant Profile
gold of pleasure

Other common names

dodder cake plant, Dutch flax, North American false flax, oilseed plant, Siberian oilseed, false flax

Synonyms

Camelina pilosa
Camelina glabrata

Annual Biennial

An annual herbaceous plant that reaches between 30cm and 1.2m in height with a spread to 30cm, with an erect and branching habit. The green leaves are spear shaped and the small, pale yellow, four-petalled flowers appear from May to July

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Brassicaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Medit. to C Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well drained soil in full sun. See Creating wildflower meadows for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seeds outdoors

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free