Oxalis stricta
upright yellow woodsorrel
Overview
Oxalis stricta is a low, upright perennial, sometimes grown as an annual, in the wood sorrel family, reaching 6-15 inches (15-38 cm) tall with branching, sometimes sprawling stems. Its leaves are clover-like, divided into three heart-shaped leaflets that fold down at night and in bright sun. From late spring through fall it produces small yellow flowers about 0.4 inch (8-12 mm) across, with five petals, held in small clusters on slender stalks. The flowers form narrow, upright, five-sided seed capsules that split open explosively when ripe, flinging seeds up to several feet. Oxalis stricta spreads by these seeds and by shallow rhizomes, rooting at the stem nodes to form patches, which makes it a persistent weed of lawns, gardens, greenhouses, and containers. The leaves and stems have a sharp, sour taste from oxalic acid and are edible in small amounts. It tolerates mowing, drought, and poor soil, and grows in sun or shade. Its fast spread and self-seeding make it difficult to remove once established.
Native Range
Oxalis stricta is native to North America and parts of eastern Asia. It has naturalized across Europe and elsewhere, growing in lawns, cultivated beds, waste ground, woodland edges, and as a common weed of pots and greenhouses.Suggested Uses
Rarely grown on purpose; it is mainly a weed of lawns, beds, and containers. The tart leaves and flowers are sometimes eaten raw or as a garnish in small amounts for their lemony flavor. It also gives minor forage to small pollinators in disturbed ground.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'3"
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from late spring through fall, often May to October, with flowers and ripening capsules present at the same time. The small yellow flowers draw bees, flies, and other small insects. Seed is set over a long season, so the plant reproduces continuously through the warm months.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 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