Wood Sorrel
ExplorePlants
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
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
2
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
Ability
Exploding Seeds
Wood Sorrel has seed pods that pop open when ripe or touched, flinging its tiny seeds far away to spread!
Ability
Sleeping Leaves
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
- 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
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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
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Common Wood SorrelYellow Wood Sorrel
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Wood Sorrel?
The easiest way to identify Wood Sorrel is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is Wood Sorrel?
5-20 cm
How wide does Wood Sorrel spread?
10-30 cm
How big are the flowers on Wood Sorrel?
0.5-1 cm
When does Wood Sorrel bloom?
Spring to fall
Is Wood Sorrel edible?
Yes
Is Wood Sorrel toxic?
Mild
What is Wood Sorrel's lifecycle?
Perennial
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
Park30 sightings12 species
Virginia, US
Beverley Historic District
You might spot Asian Lady Beetle and Spotted Lanternfly.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
New York, US
Cambridge Historic District
You might spot Dame's Rocket, American Pokeweed, and American Toad.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
Virginia, US
Stuart Addition Historic District
You might spot Asian Lady Beetle and Spotted Lanternfly.
View guide →
Park0 sightings0 species
New Jersey, US
Alps Road Park
You might spot Oriental Bittersweet and Upright Yellow Woodsorrel.
View guide →
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