Overview
Rumex acetosa is a hardy perennial reaching 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall with a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) and an upright, clumping habit with a basal rosette of arrow-shaped leaves. Native to Europe and northern Asia, it produces smooth, bright green, arrow-shaped (sagittate) leaves 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long with a sharp, tangy, lemony-sour flavor from oxalic acid. One of the earliest greens to emerge in spring—producing harvestable leaves weeks before most other garden crops. Days to first harvest 60 from seed, or immediate from established crowns in spring. Growth rate is fast in cool weather. Hardy to zone 3. Cut-and-come-again harvest for months. Flavor is sharpest in cool weather—becomes more bitter in sustained heat. Flower stalks reach 3 feet (90 cm) if not removed.
Native Range
Rumex acetosa is native to Europe and northern Asia. Naturalized throughout temperate regions of North America.Suggested Uses
Grown in herb or vegetable gardens for culinary use—soups (classic French sorrel soup), sauces, salads (young leaves), pesto, fish accompaniment. Sharp lemony-sour flavor. Earliest spring green. Perennial z3—returns yearly. Cut-and-come-again months. Contains oxalic acid—consume in moderation, avoid if prone to kidney stones. Self-seeds freely if flower stalks not removed.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Reddish-green flower stalks reaching 3 feet (90 cm) in late spring to early summer. Small, inconspicuous reddish-green flowers in whorled panicles. Dioecious—male and female flowers on separate plants. Remove flower stalks promptly—they redirect energy from leaf production and self-seed freely.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Reddish-green; small whorled panicles on 3 ft stalks; late spring-summerFoliage Description
Bright green; arrow-shaped (sagittate) 4-6 inches; smooth; basal rosetteGrowing 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
Direct sow in spring or fall, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Rich, moist, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.8). Full sun to part shade—part shade in summer extends harvest and reduces bitterness. Cut-and-come-again—harvest outer leaves, inner growth continues. Remove flower stalks promptly. Hardy perennial z3. Divide every 3-4 years when center becomes woody. High oxalic acid—consume in moderation.Pruning
Remove flower stalks as they appear to redirect energy to leaf production. Cut entire plant to 2 inches (5 cm) mid-season to rejuvenate foliage. Divide clumps every 3-4 years.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Toxic to petsPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
5 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
Spring or fall
Days to Maturity
60–60 days
Plant Spacing
12 inches
Companion Planting
Good Companions