Wood Sorrel
oxalis acetosella
Also known as: ["Shamrock","Sour Grass"]
Overview
A low-growing perennial herb with clover-like leaves and delicate white flowers, native to woodlands in temperate regions.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Oxalidales |
| Family: | Oxalidaceae |
| Genus: | Oxalis |
| Botanical Name: | Oxalis acetosella |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: woodland garden, shaded rock garden, or container in a cool, shaded spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with organic matter; a mix of peat, perlite, and potting soil works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically during active growth or when leaves become unsightly.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only damaged or dead foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer months.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to brighter light to prevent leaf burn; protect from direct afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sun, rotate plant for even growth, adjust for seasonal light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant sit in water; adjust watering based on season and growth stage.
Soil
moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5).
Ensure fast drainage, maintain slightly acidic pH, enrich with organic matter.
Temperature
Prefers 60–70°F (15–21°C); can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 40°F (4°C) during dormancy.
Protect from frost, maintain moderate temps, adjust care for dormancy.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn, fertilize only during active growth, stop in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Division of rhizomes or bulb offsets; stem cuttings can also be used but are less common.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate rhizomes or offsets, plant in new pots, water lightly, place in indirect light, monitor for growth.
Best Time: Early spring when the plant is emerging from dormancy and actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; rooting hormone can be used for stem cuttings to encourage root development.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 3–4 weeks, mature plant in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, pots, well-draining soil, rooting hormone (optional).
Quick Tips
Divide carefully to avoid damage, use clean tools, maintain humidity for cuttings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip individual leaves at the base with clean, sharp scissors.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or yellowing leaves to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Check for dead leaves, use clean tools, snip at base, dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one, ensuring good drainage.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly, and place in indirect light.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for rejuvenation and growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season, avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution; focus on the root zone and avoid wetting the foliage; allow excess water to drain completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage, incorporate organic matter like peat moss for moisture retention, ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or premature dormancy in response to extreme temperatures.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may enter dormancy; prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage roots.
Solution: Move to a warmer location if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C); reduce watering during dormancy.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, turn yellow, or develop brown edges; excessive heat can force early dormancy.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and ensure adequate watering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage, dilute fertilizer, apply to soil, avoid foliage, stop in dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are susceptible to the oxalic acid in Oxalis acetosella, which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation. Due to their smaller size, even small amounts may lead to noticeable symptoms, though severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset due to the oxalic acid content in Oxalis acetosella. While not typically life-threatening, ingestion can cause discomfort and should be monitored, especially in small or sensitive breeds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicOxalis acetosella contains oxalic acid, which can interfere with calcium absorption and lead to metabolic disturbances when ingested in significant quantities. The plant's effects are generally mild but can be more pronounced in individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions or calcium deficiencies.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Wood Sorrel edible?
A: Yes, the leaves and flowers are edible and have a tangy, lemon-like flavor, but consume in moderation due to oxalic acid content.
Q: Does Wood Sorrel prefer sun or shade?
A: It thrives in partial to full shade and prefers cool, moist conditions.
Q: How do I propagate Wood Sorrel?
A: It can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes or by seed in spring.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Oxalidaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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