SafePlants

Wood Sorrel: A Botanical Overview

Wood sorrel refers to several plants in the genus Oxalis. This article explores the characteristics and uses of these fascinating plants.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the leaves of some Wood Sorrel species contain oxalic acid, which gives them a sharp flavor. This may be a consideration for pet owners as ingestion of plants containing oxalic acid could cause digestive upset.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that some wood sorrel species are edible and that children sometimes call the plant "lemon" or "clover" and eat it. However, the text also mentions oxalic acid, so caution and proper identification are needed.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Oxalis acetosella is the most commonly referenced scientific name in the provided texts.
• Common Names: Wood Sorrel, Common Wood-sorrel, Yellow Wood Sorrel, Creeping Woodsorrel, sgrass, ssop, African wood-sorrel, Fairy Bells, Cuckoo's Meat. The name "wood sorrel" is sometimes used for other plants in the Oxalis genus.
• Family: Oxalidaceae (Wood-sorrel family).
• The genus Oxalis is the largest in the Oxalidaceae family, comprising approximately 800 of the 900 known species.
• Synonyms: Oxalis corniculata L. is also known as Oxalis repens Thunb.

Distribution and Habitat

• Oxalis acetosella is common in most of Europe and parts of Asia.
• Wood sorrel can be found year-round in hedgerows and woodlands across the U.K.
• Yellow wood sorrel is native to North America and Eurasia.
• Creeping woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata) grows throughout California up to 8200 feet (2500 m).
• It grows in woodlands, shady hedgerows, and on moss-covered trees and shady walls.

Ecological Role

• Creeping woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata) is considered a weed species in many parts of the world, including greenhouses, container ornamentals, landscapes, and turfgrass.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Wood sorrel is a perennial herb that spreads via horizontal rhizomes (underground stems).
• The leaves are trefoil (clover-like) and the flowers are often white (in Oxalis acetosella) or yellow.
• The yellow wood sorrel is a small, low-lying plant, approximately 15-38 cm in height.
• Creeping woodsorrel is a low-growing perennial.

Traditional Uses

• Wood sorrel is considered a wild edible plant. Leaves and flowers are often eaten raw.

Quirky Facts

• Wood sorrel is sometimes called "lemon" or "clover" by children due to its tangy taste.
• One source mentions earning 20 per week collecting wood sorrel, highlighting its historical economic value for some.

Further Information

• WebMD provides patient medical information on wood sorrel.
• Dave's Garden is mentioned as a community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.