Wood Sorrel
Oxalis acetosella
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Description
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) is a small perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and parts of Asia, thriving in shaded, moist environments such as woodlands and forest floors. It plays a crucial role in agroecology and regenerative agriculture as a ground cover, forming dense mats that suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. As part of a food forest system, it occupies the herbaceous layer, contributing to biodiversity and soil health by adding organic matter as it decomposes. Historically, Wood Sorrel has been used in traditional European herbal remedies. In guild design, it pairs well with shade-tolerant trees and shrubs, such as hazelnuts and elderberries, enhancing the ecosystem by attracting pollinators and providing habitat for beneficial insects.
Growing Details
Wood Sorrel thrives in shaded, moist environments with well-drained, loamy soils. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost to improve moisture retention. Mulching with leaf litter or straw helps maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include shade-tolerant species like ferns and hostas. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Harvest leaves and flowers in spring and early summer. Store fresh leaves in a cool, dry place for short-term use or dr
Edible Parts
Leaves
Flowers
Tags
Attracts Wildlife
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Meadow
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Tea
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Oxalis acetosella</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe and parts of Asia
applicable geo region: Temperate regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of April for 30 days
Harvest:
middle
of May for 30 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of March
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(3/5)
edible uses: The leaves and flowers of Wood Sorrel are edible, offering a tangy flavor due to their oxalic acid content. They are best used fresh in salads, as a garnish, or brewed into a refreshing tea. The plant can also add a sour note to soups and sauces. Harvest leaves in spring and early summer for the best flavor. Due to oxalic acid, consumption should be moderate, especially for individuals with kidney issues.
Medicinal Rating:
(2/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, Wood Sorrel has been used for its cooling and diuretic properties. It has been employed to treat fevers, urinary tract infections, and scurvy due to its vitamin C content. However, medicinal use should be cautious due to the presence of oxalic acid, which can be harmful in large quantities.
health concerns: Contains oxalic acid, which can be harmful in large quantities, especially for individuals with kidney disorders or those prone to gout.
other uses:
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Oxalis acetosella</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Oxalis acetosella
common names: Common Wood Sorrel; Cuckoo's Meat; Sourgras
family: Oxalidaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Oxalis
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.1 m
spacing: 0.2 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 20ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 25ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity: Medium
light demands: Medium
root type: Shallow
frost tender: Low
hardness:
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(4/10)
first harvest: 60 years
life span: 5 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Medium
max height: 0.1 m
max width: 0.3 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Acid
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Wood Sorrel thrives in shaded, moist environments with well-drained, loamy soils. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost to improve moisture retention. Mulching with leaf litter or straw helps maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include shade-tolerant species like ferns and hostas. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Harvest leaves and flowers in spring and early summer. Store fresh leaves in a cool, dry place for short-term use or dr
Potential Disturbances: Wood Sorrel is generally free from ecological pressures but can occasionally be affected by slugs and snails. Introduce natural predators like ground beetles or use organic barriers such as crushed eggshells to deter them. Companion planting with garlic or chives can also help repel these challenges.
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