Oxalis violacea
violet woodsorrel
Overview
Oxalis violacea is a bulb-forming perennial reaching 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) tall and spreading 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) wide, growing from a small scaly bulb. The leaves are basal and clover-like, each divided into three heart-shaped leaflets 0.4-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) across, mid-green above and frequently flushed purple beneath, folding downward at night. Rose-purple to violet flowers, 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm) wide with five petals and a pale green throat, rise on leafless stalks held above the foliage. Plants form loose colonies from offset bulbs over several seasons. In regions with hot, dry summers the foliage dies back to the bulb and the plant enters summer dormancy, often resprouting with autumn rains. It grows in open woodland, prairie, glade, and rocky-slope habitats on light, free-draining soils. Summer dormancy leaves bare gaps in plantings, and the spreading bulbs can move beyond their original position over time. Foliage and flowers contain oxalic acid, which can cause digestive upset if eaten in quantity.
Native Range
Oxalis violacea is native to eastern and central North America, ranging from Massachusetts and Florida west to the Great Plains and parts of the Southwest. It grows in prairies, open woods, glades, and rocky outcrops.Suggested Uses
Grown in woodland gardens, rock gardens, and the front of borders, spaced 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart. It naturalizes in short-grass and prairie plantings where summer dormancy is acceptable. The small bulb habit also suits container culture.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 8"
Width/Spread4" - 6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs mainly in spring, from April to June, with clusters of two to several flowers per stalk. In some populations a second, lighter flush appears in early autumn after the foliage re-emerges. Each flower opens in sunlight and closes in shade or overnight.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
rose-purple to violetFoliage Description
green, often purple beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 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
Grow in full sun to part shade in light, free-draining soil; sandy loam and rocky soils both suit it. Water during active spring growth and allow the soil to dry as the plant enters summer dormancy. Bulbs are hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and need no winter protection within that range. Plants spread slowly by offset bulbs and self-sown seed, forming colonies that can be lifted and divided when dormant. Excess summer moisture on heavy soils can rot the bulbs. No routine feeding is required in reasonably fertile ground.Pruning
No pruning is needed. Spent flower stalks and yellowing leaves can be removed as the plant enters dormancy. Seed capsules can be cut off before they split to limit self-sowing.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons