46 



FIG. 18. 



FALSE FLAX, OR GOLD OF PLEASURE. 

 Camelina saliva (L). 



This weed probably came to this country in imported flax seed. In 

 Europe it is cultivated for the fine oil extracted from the seed, which is 

 used in feeding cattle. Its common name arose from its supposed re- 

 semblance to flax. 



An annual and winter annual, with simple or branching stems ; the 

 lower leaves are long, with a stem, or petiole ; and the upper ones clasp 

 the stem with arrow-shaped bases. The flowers are numerous, yellow, 

 and somewhat inconspicuous. The seed vessel, or pod, is pear-shaped or 

 globular, with a small projection from the upper end. The little stalks 

 holding the pods are slender and spreading or ascending. The seed is 

 brown and somewhat larger than that of Shepherd's Purse. (Fig. 18). 

 An average plant produces about 40,000 seeds 



Time of flowering, June-August. 



Time of seeding, July- August. 



Dispersal as an impurity in flax and clover see-1, and occasionally in 

 grain. 



Eradication. Where only a few plants or patches exist, pull by 

 hand. Where it is more plentiful, use the method detailed for Wormseed 

 Mustard (Fig. 16). 



