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Wood Sorrel

Oxalis Acetosella

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Overview

Wood Sorrel, or Oxalis acetosella, is a charming, low-growing perennial, reaching a modest height of 2-5 inches. Its trifoliate, clover-like leaves and delicate white, veined flowers give a woodland feel. Preferring partial to full shade, it thrives in well-drained, acidic soil. Hardy in zones 3-9, it spreads through rhizomes, making it ideal for ground cover. Adds whimsical beauty and attracts pollinators in a garden design.

Sun Full, Half, ShadeWater HighZones 9–10Type PerennialClimate Alpine
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — Its trifoliate, clover-like leaves and delicate white, veined flowers give a woodland feel; adding a subtle pop, image 58

Culture

Sun
Full, Half, Shade
Water
High
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Perennial
Family
Oxalidaceae
Climate
Alpine

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Photos (190)

Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — Wood Sorrel can be incorporated as an understory plant paired with ferns; reopening with the light of day.<br><br>When
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — held aloft on stems that rise just above the foliage.<br><br>Wood Sorrel prefers partial to full shade; hardy in, image 97
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — Its trifoliate, clover-like leaves and delicate white, veined flowers give a woodland feel; adding a subtle pop, image 170
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens or shaded areas where many other plants may struggle; adding a, image 126
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — veined flowers bloom from late spring to midsummer; adding a subtle pop of color with their yellow centers, image 94
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — or used to fill spaces between stepping stones and along garden paths; hardy in zones 3-9, it spreads through rhizomes
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — vibrant green it adds to shaded sections of their garden; hardy in zones 3-9, it spreads through rhizomes, making, image 165
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — while its modest height ensures it won't overshadow neighboring plants
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens or shaded areas where many other plants may struggle; adding a, image 70
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — and other shade-loving species; vibrant green it adds to shaded sections of their garden, image 104
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — multi-colored and white flowers in the garden
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — perennial with multi-colored and white blooms; reopening with the light of day.<br><br>When designing a landscape, image 111
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — while its modest height ensures it won't overshadow neighboring plants; reopening with the light of, image 107
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — or used to fill spaces between stepping stones and along garden paths; hardy in zones 3-9, it spreads through, image 77
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — Hardy in zones 3-9, it spreads through rhizomes, making it ideal for ground cover; vibrant green it adds to, image 88
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — This plant is not only aesthetically pleasing but also fascinating; its leaves exhibit nyctinasty
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — adding a subtle pop of color with their yellow centers; reopening with the light of day.<br><br>When designing a, image 67
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — meaning they fold up at night or in response to touch; hardy in zones 3-9, it spreads through rhizomes, making it, image 73
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — Its trifoliate, clover-like leaves and delicate white, veined flowers give a woodland feel; adding a subtle pop, image 114
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — Hardy in zones 3-9, it spreads through rhizomes, making it ideal for ground cover; vibrant green it adds to shaded sections
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — Each flower spans roughly 0.5 to 1 inch in diameter; vibrant green it adds to shaded sections of their garden
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — Preferring partial to full shade, it thrives in well-drained, acidic soil; reopening with the light of, image 115
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — Wood Sorrel can be incorporated as an understory plant paired with ferns; reopening with the light of, image 103
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) — each measuring approximately 0.5 to 1 inch across; reopening with the light of day.<br><br>When designing a, image 119
Photographs by 16 contributors

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