Ecklon’s Wood-Sorrel
(Oxalis eckloniana)
Ecklon’s Wood-Sorrel (Oxalis eckloniana)
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magriet b
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
magriet b
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: magriet b | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: magriet b | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2013-05-12T12:05:37-07:00 |

























Estimated Native Range
Summary
Oxalis eckloniana, commonly known as Ecklon’s Wood-Sorrel, South African Wood-Sorrel, or Cape Shamrock, is a perennial herb that is native to a variety of habitats in South Africa, including grasslands, open woodlands, and forest edges. It is often found in disturbed areas, gardens, lawns, and shaded woodland. This plant typically grows rapidly to a height and width of 0.5-1 feet (0.15-0.3 meters), forming clumps of clover-like foliage. The leaves are trifoliate, resembling a shamrock, and are a bright green color. Oxalis eckloniana produces pink or white flowers that are quite showy, blooming profusely in the spring and summer months.
The plant is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to fill in as ground cover in garden settings. It is also used in containers and hanging baskets for its attractive foliage and flowers. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers medium or fast-draining sandy or loamy soils. It requires medium amounts of water, making it relatively easy to maintain. While it is not known for serious pest or disease problems, it can be susceptible to rust. Gardeners should be aware that in some regions, Oxalis eckloniana can become invasive, spreading through bulbils and seeds, and should be managed accordingly to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
The plant is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to fill in as ground cover in garden settings. It is also used in containers and hanging baskets for its attractive foliage and flowers. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers medium or fast-draining sandy or loamy soils. It requires medium amounts of water, making it relatively easy to maintain. While it is not known for serious pest or disease problems, it can be susceptible to rust. Gardeners should be aware that in some regions, Oxalis eckloniana can become invasive, spreading through bulbils and seeds, and should be managed accordingly to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Pink, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Border Plant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
native to a variety of habitats in South Africa, including grasslands, open woodlands, and forest edges
Other Names
Common Names: South African Wood-Sorrel, Cape Shamrock
Scientific Names: , Oxalis eckloniana, Acetosella eckloniana, Oxalis purpurea, Oxalis purpurea var. aurantiaca, Oxalis purpurea var. hopefieldiana, Oxalis salmonicolor, Oxalis sulphurea,
GBIF Accepted Name: