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(Oxalis depressa)
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis depressa)
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Michael Wolf
CC BY-SA 3.0
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Michael Wolf
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CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo by: Michael Wolf | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Michael w | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Oxalis_depressa_02.jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Oxalis depressa, commonly known as Wood Sorrel, is a perennial herb that can be evergreen or semi-deciduous depending on the climate. It is native to grasslands and open areas in Southern Africa, particularly thriving on slopes and well-drained sites. This plant typically grows to a height of 0.3-0.4 feet (0.09-0.1 meters) and spreads 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) wide, forming a low, dense mat of clover-like foliage. The leaves are trifoliate, resembling clover, and can fold down at night or in response to touch. Oxalis depressa blooms profusely with delicate, cup-shaped pink flowers from late spring to fall, adding a splash of color to the garden for an extended period.
Wood Sorrel is valued for its charming flowers and its ability to fill in spaces as a ground cover. It is often used in rock gardens, borders, and as an underplanting for taller perennials or shrubs. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring only moderate watering and well-draining soil. While it prefers full sun to part shade, it can tolerate a range of light conditions. In some regions, it can become invasive, so gardeners should monitor its spread. It is also known for its edible leaves, which have a tangy flavor and can be used in salads or as a garnish. However, they contain oxalic acid, so they should be consumed in moderation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Wood Sorrel is valued for its charming flowers and its ability to fill in spaces as a ground cover. It is often used in rock gardens, borders, and as an underplanting for taller perennials or shrubs. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring only moderate watering and well-draining soil. While it prefers full sun to part shade, it can tolerate a range of light conditions. In some regions, it can become invasive, so gardeners should monitor its spread. It is also known for its edible leaves, which have a tangy flavor and can be used in salads or as a garnish. However, they contain oxalic acid, so they should be consumed in moderation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Height: 0.3-0.4 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen, Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, 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, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to grasslands and open areas in Southern Africa
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Oxalis depressa, Oxalis dammeriana, Oxalis commutata var. pusilla, Oxalis otaviensis, Oxalis commutata subsp. pusilla, Oxalis convexula subsp. dilatata, Oxalis convexula var. dilatata,
GBIF Accepted Name: Oxalis depressa Eckl. & Zeyh.