Oxalis purpurea
purple woodsorrel
Overview
Oxalis purpurea is a low, clump-forming perennial in the Oxalidaceae growing from a small underground bulb and reaching 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) tall and 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) wide. Leaves are basal and clover-like, each divided into three heart-shaped leaflets 0.4-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) wide, mid- to dark green and sometimes purple-tinged beneath, carried on short stalks. Funnel-shaped flowers 0.8-1.6 inches (2-4 cm) across open singly on short stems in shades of rose-pink to purple, occasionally white, with a yellow throat. Flowers open in sun and close in dull weather and at night. The plant grows in the cooler, wetter months and dies back to its bulb during dry summer dormancy. It multiplies by forming numerous small bulbils around the parent bulb, spreading into lawns and beds. It self-sows and naturalises readily and is listed as an environmental weed in parts of Australia. The bulbils break off and regrow, making infestations persistent. The foliage contains oxalic acid and is toxic to pets and livestock if eaten in quantity.
Native Range
Native to the Cape region of South Africa, where it grows in sandy coastal and lowland soils. Widely naturalised beyond its range, including parts of southern Australia, where it occurs in gardens, lawns, roadsides, and disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Grown in rockeries, container plantings, and as a seasonal groundcover in mild-winter regions, spaced 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart. Suited to pots where its spread can be contained. Its self-spreading habit limits use in mixed beds near lawns or natural areas.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 5"
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Flowers mainly from autumn through winter into early spring in mild climates, roughly May to September in the southern hemisphere. Individual flowers last a few days, opening in sunshine; the overall display extends 10-14 weeks. Flowering is sparse in deep shade.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Rose-pink to purpleFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade in most well-drained soils. Needs little care once established and tolerates neglect; growth is driven by cool-season moisture, and the plant rests over dry summers. Excess summer water during dormancy can rot the bulbs. The species spreads by bulbils and self-seeding and can become difficult to remove from lawns and borders. Digging often leaves small bulbils behind that regrow. It has no significant pest or disease problems.Pruning
Spent flowers and yellowing leaves can be removed as the plant enters summer dormancy if a tidy appearance is wanted. Lifting and dividing bulbs in dormancy controls clump size. Fragments of bulb left in the soil regrow, so thorough removal is needed to limit spread.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons