Gold-of-Pleasure: An Underrated Annual with Ancient Roots
Meet gold-of-pleasure (Camelina sativa sativa), a humble little annual that’s been quietly making its way across North American gardens and wild spaces for decades. Despite its rather grandiose common name, this unassuming plant won’t dazzle you with showy blooms, but it might just surprise you with its utility and charm.
What Exactly Is Gold-of-Pleasure?
Gold-of-pleasure is an annual to biennial forb – basically a non-woody herbaceous plant that completes its life cycle in one or two years. Originally from Europe and western Asia, this adaptable little character has found its way across much of North America, from Alaska down to the lower 48 states and throughout Canada.
You might also encounter this plant under its scientific synonyms Camelina parodii or the older name Myagrum sativum, though gold-of-pleasure seems to be sticking as the preferred common name.
Where You’ll Find It Growing
This widespread wanderer has established itself across an impressive range of North American territories and states, including Alberta, British Columbia, Alaska, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Arizona, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Connecticut, Quebec, Delaware, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The Appeal (And Limitations) of Gold-of-Pleasure
Let’s be honest – gold-of-pleasure isn’t going to win any beauty contests. This slender plant produces clusters of tiny yellow flowers that are more functional than flashy. Its appeal lies in its practicality rather than its visual impact. The plant typically grows upright with a somewhat sparse appearance, making it better suited for utility areas than ornamental borders.
Why Consider Growing Gold-of-Pleasure?
While it may not be a showstopper, gold-of-pleasure offers several practical benefits:
- Pollinator support: Those small yellow flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects
- Low maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care
- Drought tolerance: Handles dry conditions well once mature
- Wildlife value: Seeds provide food for birds
- Cover crop potential: Can improve soil in fallow areas
Growing Conditions and Care
Gold-of-pleasure is refreshingly undemanding. Here’s what it prefers:
- Sunlight: Full sun for best performance
- Soil: Well-drained soils; not picky about soil type
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, though some moisture helps during germination
- Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 2-9 as an annual
Planting and Maintenance Tips
Growing gold-of-pleasure is straightforward:
- Direct seed in spring after the last frost or in fall for spring emergence
- Scatter seeds lightly over prepared soil and rake in gently
- Keep soil lightly moist until germination occurs
- Once established, minimal care is needed
- Plants will self-seed readily if allowed to go to seed
Garden Design Considerations
Gold-of-pleasure works best in:
- Wildlife or pollinator gardens
- Utility areas where low-maintenance plants are desired
- Agricultural or farm-style landscapes
- Areas being rehabilitated or used as cover crops
It’s not ideal for formal ornamental gardens or areas where visual impact is the primary goal.
A Note on Native Alternatives
While gold-of-pleasure is non-native to North America, it’s not considered invasive and can coexist peacefully with native plants. However, if you’re prioritizing native species, consider these alternatives that offer similar benefits:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda species) for pollinator support
- Native sunflowers (Helianthus species) for bird food and bright flowers
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia species) for easy-care yellow blooms
The Bottom Line
Gold-of-pleasure won’t transform your garden into a breathtaking landscape, but it offers quiet utility and ecological value. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that supports pollinators and birds while asking for very little in return, this unassuming annual might just earn its place in your garden. Just don’t expect gold – think more along the lines of dependable bronze.
