mountain woodsorrel

Oxalis montana

Mountain woodsorrel is a lovely little flower that grows in shady places. Its heart-shaped leaves and pretty pink flowers make it a special sight in the woods.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The mountain woodsorrel has bright green, clover-like leaves, each with three heart-shaped leaflets. Its delicate, five-petaled flowers are white or pale pink, often veined with darker pink or purple. It forms a low-growing, carpet-like mat on the forest floor.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderOxalidalesFamilyOxalidaceaeGenusOxalis

mountain woodsorrel

Interesting facts

Its leaves taste tangy and lemon-like, making it a delicious forest snack!

Some people call its leaves 'false shamrocks' because they look so similar.

The plant's scientific name 'Oxalis' comes from the Greek word for 'sour.'

The tiny flowers attract bees and other insects with their sweet nectar.

Special abilities

Mountain woodsorrel can fold its leaves like tiny umbrellas to protect itself from too much sun or close them up tightly at night.

Mountain woodsorrel has tiny seed pods that burst open when ripe, flinging their seeds far away to spread new plants.

Mountain woodsorrel can spread using underground stems called rhizomes, helping it form wide, green mats.

Measurements & details

Height: 5-20 cm
Spread: 10-30 cm
Flower Size: 1-2 cm
Bloom Season: Late spring to summer
Edible: Yes
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

helps transfer pollen

eaten by

White-tailed deer

Odocoileus virginianus

browses its leaves

eaten by

Black slug

Arion ater

feeds on tender leaves

Traits

Flowering

Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.

Ornamental

Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.