Lesqeurella breeding has focused on the natural genetic variability contained within L. fendleri and on the introgression of traits from other Lesquerella species as the two main sources of improvements for new germplasm and varieties. In this study we re-examined the natural variability for oil characteristics in L. fendleri based on a half-seed analysis, described in other oilseed crops, but, recently developed for lesquerella. Previous studies were based on a bulk method of analysis. We also measured traits of interspecific hybrids between of L. pallida X L. fendleri. This species was chosen as a parent because of its elevated HFA content and low linolenic acid compared with L. fendleri, and both species have the same n=6 chromosome number. Plants were selected in the A2, A3, and A4 generations (designated as such instead of F2, F3, and F4 because the chromosome number was doubled using colchicine to produce amphidiploids). L. fendleri showed a broader amount of variability than previously reported by the bulk seed analysis. Seeds have lesquerolic acid values up to 73% and linolenic acid values as low as 5 % compared to previous reports of 58 % and 12 %, respectively. Interspecific hybrids had higher mean lesquerolic acid content (83%), and lower amounts of unsaturated linolenic acid (2%) than found in L. fendleri. These improved traits should make lesquerella more profitable for industry users and growers, thus enhancing its competitiveness with castor oil (Ricinus commus L.) as a biodegradable oil without the toxic ricin contained in castor.