Wood Sorrel
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(Oxalis polyphylla)
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis polyphylla)
/
Tony Rebelo
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Tony Rebelo
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Tony Rebelo | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Tony Rebelo | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2012-05-05T15:22:19-07:00 |
Summary
Oxalis polyphylla, commonly known as Finger Sorrel, Clover Sorrel, or Pink-Sorrel, is a perennial herb native to South Africa. It typically grows at a moderate rate to a height and width of 0.5-1 feet (0.15-0.3 meters), forming clumps of clover-like foliage. The plant is characterized by its trifoliate leaves that resemble clover and its delicate, cup-shaped pink flowers that bloom profusely in the spring and summer, adding a splash of color to the garden.
Finger Sorrel is valued for its ornamental foliage and charming flowers, which can brighten up shaded areas of the garden. It is often used as a ground cover, in rock gardens, or as an underplanting for taller, shade-loving species. In cultivation, Oxalis polyphylla prefers part shade to full shade and requires well-drained soils such as clay, loam, or sandy types. It has medium water needs and can tolerate a range of soil pH levels. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust and root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Gardeners should monitor its spread to prevent unwanted naturalization.CC BY-SA 4.0
Finger Sorrel is valued for its ornamental foliage and charming flowers, which can brighten up shaded areas of the garden. It is often used as a ground cover, in rock gardens, or as an underplanting for taller, shade-loving species. In cultivation, Oxalis polyphylla prefers part shade to full shade and requires well-drained soils such as clay, loam, or sandy types. It has medium water needs and can tolerate a range of soil pH levels. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust and root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Gardeners should monitor its spread to prevent unwanted naturalization.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: Pink
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to the mountainous regions of South America, particularly in Chile and Argentina, thriving in alpine woodlands and meadows
Other Names
Common Names: Clover Sorrel, Pink-Sorrel
Scientific Names: Narrow Leaved Sorrel, Polyphylla Yellow Wood Sorrel, Many-leaved Wood Sorrel, Narrow Leaved Sorrel
GBIF Accepted Name: Oxalis polyphylla