SafePlants

Camelina sativa: Gold of Pleasure

Camelina sativa, a member of the Brassicaceae (or Cruciferae) family, is commonly known as camelina, gold-of-pleasure, or false flax. It is an annual or overwintering herb that has garnered attention for its oil-rich seeds and potential uses.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Camelina sativa
• Family: Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)
• Synonyms: Myagrum sativum

Distribution and Habitat

• Originates in the Mediterranean to Central Asia.
• Widely naturalized in North America and Europe.
• Often found as a weed in cornfields.
• Suited to most climates and soil types, even poor soils or challenging locations.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Annual or overwintering herb.
• Fast-growing and free-branching.
• Stems become woody at maturity.
• Small yellow or white flowers.
• Produces a seed very attractive to birds.

Ecological Role

• Considered a weed in some regions of the US.
• Its seeds are attractive to birds, especially partridge.

Uses

• Seeds and oil have been consumed since antiquity.
• Camelina oil is valued for its high content of Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils.
• Used in blends for normal to oily skins due to its relatively dry nature.
• Its anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties are also harnessed.
• The crushed seeds left after oil extraction have been shown to give liver detoxification enzymes a boost.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant produces seeds that are attractive to birds, which could be of interest to some pets.

Quirky Facts

• Also known as "false flax", "faux flax oil", and "wild flax oil".
• The name Camelina is derived from the rusty color of its seeds.
• Has been cultivated since Neolithic times.
• Findings from the age of the Celts show that Camelina is an old plant.

Further Information

• Plant Guide (pdf) (doc)
• Hathi Trust Digital Library