Redwood Sorrel
ExplorePlants
Redwood Sorrel
oxalis smalliana
Redwood Sorrel (Oxalis smalliana), also known as Small's woodsorrel, is an elegant perennial herb that flourishes on the damp, shaded floors of temperate forests. Famous for its delicate clover-like leaves, this plant forms lush, velvety carpets under dense forest canopies where direct sunlight rarely penetrates. It has evolved a highly sensitive nature: when exposed to intense light or dry conditions, its leaflets fold neatly downward to conserve precious moisture and protect its photosynthetic machinery, only to reopen when gentle shade returns. During the spring and summer months, it produces small, pristine white to light pink five-petaled blossoms that stand out brilliantly against the dark forest floor. This resilient understory species plays a critical role in stabilizing forest soils and maintaining understory humidity, making it a key component of its native woodland ecosystems. Take the ultimate field guide with you and identify Redwood Sorrel using the Snappit app.
Habitat: Typically found in moist, deeply shaded temperate woodlands and mountain valleys, thriving on humus-rich soils near forest streams.
Appearance
Redwood Sorrel features clusters of three heart-shaped leaflets, each about 1 to 3 centimeters wide, connected to delicate, reddish-green petioles rising directly from underground rhizomes. The leaves are a vibrant emerald green on top, sometimes showing a lighter chevron pattern, while their undersides can carry a subtle purplish tint. Its solitary, cup-shaped flowers measure roughly 1.5 to 2 centimeters across and consist of five overlapping petals. These petals are white to pale lavender-pink, decorated with fine, darker pink veins that converge toward a bright yellow center.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderOxalidalesFamilyOxalidaceaeGenusOxalis
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It spreads effectively through underground rhizomes, allowing a single plant to form vast, interconnected clonal colonies over time.
Its rapid leaf-folding reaction is a form of rapid plant movement, triggered by changes in turgor pressure within specialized cell joints called pulvini.
The plant contains oxalic acid, which gives its leaves a tart, green-apple flavor often compared to sorrel, though consuming large amounts can be toxic.
Special abilities
Ability
Nyctinastic Folding
The leaves fold downward along their center vein during intense sunlight or at night to minimize water loss and protect delicate leaf tissue.
Ability
Extreme Shade Tolerance
It can efficiently carry out photosynthesis in low-light environments, utilizing less than one percent of direct sunlight.
Ability
Oxalic Acid Protection
Accumulates high concentrations of oxalic acid in its cells, giving the plant a sour taste that deters many generalist herbivores.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 5-15 cm
- Lifespan
- 3-8 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photoautotroph, it produces its own energy by capturing sunlight and converting carbon dioxide and water into sugars.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon dioxide
- Soil nitrogen
Ecological connections
mutualism
Japanese Cedar
Cryptomeria japonica
Provides the dense canopy shade and acidic leaf litter necessary for the sorrel to thrive.
eaten by
Sika Deer
Cervus nippon
Occasionally grazes on the leaves as a minor part of its herbaceous diet.
mutualism
Asian Honey Bee
Apis cerana
Visits the spring blossoms to collect nectar, acting as a primary pollinator.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Redwood Sorrel?
The easiest way to identify Redwood Sorrel is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Redwood Sorrel?
5-15 cm
How long does Redwood Sorrel live?
3-8 years
What does Redwood Sorrel eat?
As a photoautotroph, it produces its own energy by capturing sunlight and converting carbon dioxide and water into sugars.
Where is Redwood Sorrel usually found?
Typically found in moist, deeply shaded temperate woodlands and mountain valleys, thriving on humus-rich soils near forest streams.
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Park25 sightings12 species
California, US
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
You might spot Redwood Sorrel, Redwood, and Button's Banana Slug.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
California, US
Benbow Lake State Recreation Area
You might spot Redwood, Pacific Trillium, and Evergreen Huckleberry.
View guide →
Park14 sightings12 species
US
Mendocino and Headlands Historic District
You might spot Button's Banana Slug, Ochre Sea Star, and Bat Star.
View guide →
