Metcalfe’s Woodsorrel
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(Oxalis metcalfei)
Metcalfe’s Woodsorrel (Oxalis metcalfei)
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Wendy McCrady
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Wendy McCrady
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Wendy McCrady | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Wendy McCrady | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2022-07-12T10:50:02-07:00 |
Summary
Oxalis metcalfei, commonly known as Metcalfe’s woodsorrel, is a perennial herb that is native to rocky slopes and semi-arid regions of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. It typically forms low-growing clumps reaching 6 to 12 inches in height. The plant is characterized by its trifoliate, clover-like leaves and delicate, cup-shaped yellow flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The foliage may add a light, airy texture to garden settings, and the flowers, while not overly showy, provide a subtle charm.
Metcalfe’s woodsorrel is valued for its drought tolerance and is often used in rock gardens, as ground cover, and in xeriscaping. It thrives in well-drained soils and requires minimal water once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can spread to form a dense mat, which helps to suppress weeds. However, it can spread in some conditions, so care should be taken to manage its spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Metcalfe’s woodsorrel is valued for its drought tolerance and is often used in rock gardens, as ground cover, and in xeriscaping. It thrives in well-drained soils and requires minimal water once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can spread to form a dense mat, which helps to suppress weeds. However, it can spread in some conditions, so care should be taken to manage its spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Rocky slopes and semi-arid regions of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Cliff Woodsorrel
Scientific Names: Oxalis metcalfei, Ionoxalis metcalfei, Ionoxalis monticola, Oxalis bulbosa, Oxalis neomexicana, Oxalis oreophila
GBIF Accepted Name: Oxalis metcalfei