OIL & SEED CROPS
CRAMBE ABYSSINICA,'Eurasian Oilseed', Closely related to
brassicas such as mustard but distinct with ornamental sprays of pearly round
seedpods. (Eat young greens like cress). Heat & drought tolerant., B
FLAX, FOSTER GOLD, Seed cultivar is short-statured for highest yield of edible/
medicinal seed and oil, NOT so much fiber.,B
FLAX, CASCADE, Hi-yielding fiber cultivar for the Pacific Northwest.
FLAX, SAGINAW WHITE, Midwest fiber cv with pale colored flowers.,B
FLAX, STORMONT GOSSAMER Fiber culivar. RARE from Seedsavers.
FLAX, WILD (Linum angustifolium), An introduced weed in our region which outproduces
cultivated flax in biomass and seed production in fertile soils, with outstanding
benefits for wildlife food and habitat., B
JOB'S TEARS, (Coix lacryma-jobi), Known as 'Hato mugi' in Japan where it is
considered medicinal and a paramount ingredient in rustic breads. Also the
source of traditional round grayish prayer beads often found in Hawaiian streambeds
where it is considered to be an invasive exotic. Resembling a miniature corn
plant it is truly a delight in temperate gardens, rarely surviving winters
in Zone 8 or colder.
NOOG, 'Niger Thistle' (Guizotia niger), INDIA Oilseed which has taken the
birdseed market in recent years. We saw no volunteers from a large seedcrop
which was furiously attacked by songbirds (to the benefit of nearby crops
and hungry local raptors). Bioremediation benefits notwithstanding, care should
be taken that this beautiful flower of the daisy family not become a weed
in warmer climates.,B
RAPESEED, (Brassica napus ssp. oleifera), Isolated here for 15 years during
which time various locales have been polluted by transgenic 'canola' production,
resulting in large-scale crop and farm losses.
SAFFLOWER, (Carthamus tinctoria), Horticultural type is taller and branches
vigorously for floral/ ornamental use. Excellent intercrop to deter deer and
other predators with its prickly spines.,B
SESAME,GREEK GOLD, Rare from Peace Seeds this is among the earliest maturing
varities we have trialed for short season areas.,B
SESAME,TAN ANATOLIAN, Montane heirloom produces reliably here. Sesame does
not transplant so must be direct sown in warm soil, and it takes ~100 days
to mature, whence pods must be cut and dried under cover so the birds and
rain cannot spoil the crop.
SESAME,UCD Line31, Hi-production cultivar keeps blooming until frost so we'll
try pinching them back to hasten seed maturity next time. We note with interest
the sales of chopped sesame stalks (or grown as cover crop) as a remedy for
soil-borne nematodes.,B
TARAHUMARA CHIA, (Salvia tilliafolia), THE chia to grow in northern latitudes
(commercial chia has incompatible daylength requirement) up to south-central
Oregon. Aromatic textured leaves and slender spikes of blue blossoms akin
to basil or shiso. Prefers direct sowing.
WHITE MUSTARD, (Brassica hirta), Traditional source of the pungent condiment
is a distinct species of Brassica, so crossing with vegetable types (kale,
mizuna, cress etc) is generally not a problem.