Oxalis acetosella Wood sorrel (Oxalidaceae)

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Oxalis acetosella
Wood sorrel
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The Oxalis acetosella plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Oxalidaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Wood sorrel.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Oxalis acetosella
Common Name:  Wood sorrel
Family:  Oxalidaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The leaves contain oxalic acid, which gives them their sharp flavour. Perfectly all right in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since oxalic acid can bind up the body's supply of calcium leading to nutritional deficiency. The quantity of oxalic acid will be reduced if the leaves are cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[238].

Mature Height:  0.08   Mature Width:  0.3

Habitat:  Moist woods, moorland and on shady rocks[187].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers moist shady conditions and a humus rich soil in shade or dappled sunlight[4, 9, 13, 27, 37, 200]. Dislikes very heavy and wet soils[17]. Plants are hardy to about -25°c[187]. A dainty woodland carpeter growing well in a woodland or wild garden[28, 200]. When well sited the plants can run agressively and also self-sow[208]. The plant flowers in early spring, but does not produce much fertile seed at this time. Most of the fertile seed is produced from cleistogamous flowers during the summer[17].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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