Camelina microcarpa
False flax
(c) Thomas Koffel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Thomas Koffel · licence
Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Camelina microcarpa (False flax) is a non-native California herb in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by Eurasian genus naturalized in North America, with only one species established in California.
False flax is a naturalized annual found in the California Floristic Province and Modoc Plateau in fields, roadsides, and slopes at elevations below 1,800 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces pale yellow flowers approximately 3 to 4 millimeters long with delicate petals. Growing with stems 20 to 80 centimeters tall, the plant can be simple or branched toward the top and is densely covered in stiff hairs. Its leaves are lanceolate to oblong with distinctive basal lobes, giving the plant a unique structural appearance. The small pear-shaped fruit measures 3.5 to 5 millimeters long with a beak-like style.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Eurasian genus naturalized in North America, with only one species established in California
Habitat and range
Habitat: Fields, roadsides, slopes
Elevation: < 1800 m
California counties: Modoc, Siskiyou, Los Angeles, Plumas, Monterey, Kern, Nevada, Santa Barbara, Placer, Lassen, Butte, Alameda, Ventura, San Diego, Sierra, Shasta, Orange
Outside California: North America, native to Eurasia
Bloom period
Camelina microcarpa blooms May-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Capsella: Camelina pods are pear-shaped and inflated; Capsella pods are flat, triangular, and heart-shaped.; vs Phoenicaulis: Camelina is annual with yellow flowers; Phoenicaulis is perennial with woody base and lavender flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Camelina microcarpa native to California?
No. Camelina microcarpa is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Camelina microcarpa bloom?
Camelina microcarpa blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Camelina microcarpa grow?
Camelina microcarpa occurs in Modoc, Siskiyou, Los Angeles, Plumas, Monterey, Kern, Nevada, Santa Barbara and other counties, at elevations of < 1800 m.
What plant family does Camelina microcarpa belong to?
Camelina microcarpa is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Camelina.
What habitat does Camelina microcarpa grow in?
Camelina microcarpa grows in Fields, roadsides, slopes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.