Rumex acetosella var. tenuifolius, commonly known as Sheep’s Sorrel, Sour Weed, or Red Sorrel, is a perennial herb that is native to a wide range of habitats including grasslands, open fields, and along roadsides in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is a small plant, typically growing to a height of 0.5-1.5 feet (0.15-0.45 meters) with a spreading habit. Sheep’s Sorrel has arrow-shaped leaves and produces tiny red or green flowers on slender stalks that bloom in the spring and summer. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they are followed by distinctive, upright seed capsules that add interest to the plant’s appearance.

Sheep’s Sorrel is valued for its tangy, edible leaves, which can be used in salads or as a garnish. It is also known for its medicinal properties, historically used to treat a variety of ailments. In gardens, it can be used as a ground cover or in wildflower meadows, where its drought tolerance and ability to grow in poor soils are advantageous. It prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, with medium to fast drainage. While it requires medium amounts of water, it can tolerate dry conditions once established.CC BY-SA 4.0