Redwood Sorrel

(Oxalis oregana)

Redwood Sorrel (Oxalis oregana)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Oxalis oregana, commonly known as Redwood Sorrel or Oregon Oxalis, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to the understory of moist coniferous forests, particularly those dominated by Douglas-fir and Coast Redwood, in western North America, from southwestern British Columbia through Washington, Oregon, to California. It typically forms low-growing patches with erect flowering stems 5–15 cm tall. The leaves are clover-like, and the inflorescence consists of delicate flowers 2.4–4 cm in diameter, ranging from white to pink, with five petals and sepals, blooming from spring to summer. The plant spreads by a scaly rhizome, allowing it to form varying sizes of patches under the forest canopy.

Redwood Sorrel is valued for its ability to thrive in shady conditions and its attractive foliage and flowers, which make it an excellent ground cover for woodland gardens and shaded areas. It is also used in borders and as an underplanting for larger shrubs. Redwood Sorrel requires consistently moist soil, but it is adaptable to a range of drainage conditions. It prefers acidic soils and can tolerate the low light levels found under dense tree canopies. While it does best in part shade to full shade, it can also handle brief periods of direct sunlight, during which its leaves will fold down to minimize exposure. Gardeners should be aware that in some conditions, it can spread aggressively via rhizomes.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.3-0.8 feet
  • Width: 0.375-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full 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, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to the understory of moist coniferous forests, particularly those dominated by Douglas-fir and Coast Redwood

Other Names

Common Names: Oregon Oxalis

Scientific Names: , Oxalis oregana, Oxalis oregana f. smalliana, Oxalis oregana var. smalliana, Acetosella oregana, Oxalis acetosella subsp. oregana, Oxalis acetosella var. oregana, Oxalis oregana subsp. smalliana, Oxalis oregana subsp. tracyi, Oxalis oregana var. tracyi

GBIF Accepted Name: Oxalis oregana Nutt. ex Torr. & A.Gray