Species Small-Seed False-Flax
yellow buds with light-green sepals and lime-red stems

Small-Seed False-Flax

Camelina microcarpa

Small-Seed False-Flax (Camelina microcarpa) is an annual plant with small yellow flowers and narrow flat leaves. Native to temperate regions of the Old World, it is grown for forage and its seeds are harvested for their oil. Small-Seed False-Flax can reach up to three feet in height and bears small round fruits containing three oil-rich seeds. This plant is highly drought-tolerant and is well-suited to sites with sandy or gravelly soils and plenty of sun. Its oil is valued for its numerous health benefits and is a popular component in various health products. Small-Seed False-Flax is also attractive to wildlife, providing essential food and shelter to birds and beneficial insects.

Watering:

Frequent

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Small Camas should be watered once a week, providing 6 inches of water. The plant should be thoroughly soaked, and the water should penetrate the entire root area. Be sure to avoid waterlogging, as Small Camas prefers a well-drained soil. During dry spells, they may need to be watered more often.

sunlight

Small Camas is a species of native wildflower found in western North America. It is an early-blooming perennial with blue-purple blooms from March to May. As with other plant species, it is best to provide the small Camas with the right amount of sunlight for optimal growth. Generally speaking, small Camas plants prefer between 6 to 8 hours of direct, full sun per day. When the plants are young, it is important to reduce the amount of direct sunlight to just a few hours per day. Too much direct sunlight in the early stage of growth can cause burning of the leaves and stunted growth. Additionally, too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves on the small Camas to wilt and dry out. Small Camas plants also benefit from some protection from the elements in the form of a partial shade cover during the hottest times of the day. This will also help the plants to retain water and continue to thrive under the sun's rays.

pruning

Small Camas should generally be pruned twice a year, once in the summer and once in the winter. For best results, they should be pruned before active growth begins in late spring. Summer pruning should involve deadheading of spent flowers and foliage removal if the plants begin to look lanky. During the winter, the plant should be pruned to remove unhealthy, dead, or diseased foliage when structural improvement is needed. The pruning should not exceed 1-third of the plant's total size each season in order to retain its desirable shape.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.