Silver Shamrock

(Oxalis adenophylla)

Silver Shamrock (Oxalis adenophylla)

Ian Young, from www.srgc.org.uk

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: Ian Young, from www.srgc.org.uk

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Ian Young, from www.srgc.org.uk | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ | Uploader: FSII | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Oxalis_adenophylla.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description={{en|1=Oca (Oxalis tuberosa), peruvian}} Knolliger Sauerklee, peruanisch |Source={{own}} |Author=Markus Leupold-Löwenthal |Date=2008:05:19 |Permission= |other_versions= }} [[Category:Oxalis]] |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Oxalis adenophylla, commonly known as Silver Shamrock, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the mountainous regions of Southern South America, particularly in Argentina and Chile, where it thrives in alpine and subalpine areas. It typically forms low-growing clumps reaching 4-6 inches in height and width, with attractive glaucous, clover-like foliage. The plant produces delicate pink to lavender flowers with a white center from late spring to early summer, which are quite showy and add a splash of color to garden settings.

Silver Shamrock is valued for its ornamental foliage and charming flowers, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, alpine collections, and as a container plant for patios or indoors. It is particularly noted for its ability to withstand cold temperatures, owing to its bulb’s ability to survive freezing conditions during dormancy. However, it requires well-drained soil to prevent rot in wet winters. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires moderate watering, adapting to a range of soil drainage conditions. While it is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10, it is important to provide adequate drainage and protection from excessive winter moisture. The Royal Horticultural Society has awarded Oxalis adenophylla with the Award of Garden Merit, recognizing its value in gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 0.2-0.3 feet
Width: 0.3-0.4 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Pink
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to alpine and subalpine areas in the mountainous regions of Southern South America, particularly in Argentina and Chile

Other Names

Common Names: Chilean Oxalis, Sauer Klee

Scientific Names: , Oxalis adenophylla, Acetosella adenophylla, Acetosella bustillosii, Oxalis bustillosii, Oxalis bustillosii subsp. biflora, Oxalis bustillosii var. biflora,

GBIF Accepted Name: Oxalis adenophylla Gill.