Wood Sorrel

Oxalis stricta

Wood Sorrel has shamrock-shaped leaves and pretty little yellow flowers. It often grows in shady spots and is fun to find!

Habitat: Woodlands and gardens

Appearance

The Wood Sorrel has distinctive clover-like leaves, each made of three heart-shaped leaflets, often folding at night. Its tiny, five-petaled flowers are bright yellow, standing out against the green foliage on slender stalks, making it look different from true clover.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderOxalidalesFamilyOxalidaceaeGenusOxalis

Wood Sorrel

Interesting facts

Ancient cultures sometimes used it to cool fevers or as a dye!

Each seed pod explodes when touched, flinging seeds far away!

Its leaves actually taste tangy, a bit like lemon candy!

The leaves close up at night or when it's too hot!

Special abilities

Wood Sorrel has seed pods that pop open when ripe or touched, flinging its tiny seeds far away to spread!

Wood Sorrel can fold its heart-shaped leaves closed at night or during harsh sun to protect itself and conserve water.

Measurements & details

Height: 5-20 cm
Spread: 10-30 cm
Flower Size: 0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season: Spring to fall
Is Edible: Yes
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

eaten by

White-tailed deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Deer munch on its leaves.

eaten by

Eastern cottontail

Sylvilagus floridanus

Rabbits often snack on its fresh foliage.

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Bees visit its small yellow flowers for nectar.

Traits

Shade Tolerant

Discover plants that love to live in the shadows, growing beautifully and happily even in spots where the sun doesn't shine all day long.

Spring Blooming

Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with these cheerful plants that burst into beautiful flowers as spring awakens the world.

Edible

Find plants that are safe and delicious to eat, offering tasty treats and nourishment from nature's pantry. Always check with an adult before tasting!