Wood Sorrel is native to North America and Eurasia. Though it can be found in Canada and nearly every state of the United States, it is most abundant in the eastern United States and Canada.
The Wood Sorrel, Oxalis—Shamrock plants in many garden centers—is not a true shamrock.
Instead, Oxalis has a character all its own, displaying triangular, three-lobed leaves with rich hues varying from bright emerald green to intense maroon with a few variegated varieties thrown in.
Many think this perennial is an aggressive weed because it can sprout up in any poor soil.
Wood Sorrel is most common on forest floors near cleavers and wild violets.
Wood Sorrel is known by many names, such as:
- Oxalis
- False shamrock
- Shamrock plant
- Good luck plant
- Love plant
Quick Facts On Wood Sorrel Plants
- Family: Oxalis species
- Light: Full sun or light shade
- Temperature: USDA Zones 7-10
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not soggy
- Fertilizer: Supplementary fertilizer
- Propagation: By root division
- Common Problems: Aphids
Growing Sorrel In Pots
Sorrel is a good choice for windowsill gardens.
Here are some tips to remember:
- You should choose a place that is as sunny as possible during the winter.
- Also, keep the soil moist but not too wet.
- Water at the soil level to prevent mold growth.
Container-grown sorrel is easy to grow and is a perfect choice for beginners.
Another benefit of growing in pots is that sorrel grows longer in pots than in the ground because you can move your pots to a shady spot on warm days.
A 6-inch container is a minimum size, but 8″ to 12″ inches is best.
Don’t forget that the pots should have enough drainage holes, and pots should be topped up with at least 1 inch of water each week.
Oxalis Adenophylla Care
How Big Do Wood Sorrel Plants Grow?
The Oxalis genus, including the False Shamrock and Wood Sorrel, vary in height from 2″ to 12″ inches, making them perfect for rock gardens or growing near paving edges.
When Does Wood Sorrel Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Wood Sorrel typically blooms from spring to fall. However, in warmer regions, it often blooms throughout the year.
Used by many perfume manufacturers, the violet Wood Sorrel is exceptionally fragrant.
What Is The Best Soil For Wood Sorrel, And Should You Transplant it?
Wood Sorrel best develops in soil with a slightly acidic pH (somewhere in the 5.5 to 6.8 range).
Since sorrel is grown for its leafy, green growth, it’s best to use soil rich in organic matter.
How And When Should You Water And Fertilize The Wood Sorrel?
When the soil is dry, water the planting site. Once the plants are established and have healthy stems, leaves, and roots, apply 20-10-20 or 15-15-15 fertilizer every other week.
If the soil becomes dormant, let it dry and don’t fertilize. Wood sorrel species can become dormant, appearing dead for 3 months.
After new stems or leaves appear on wood sorrel plants, it is good to re-water and fertilizes them.
Sorrel thrives in rich soil. Therefore, amend the soil every year with organic matter and side-dress with granular fertilizer or compost at midseason.
What Is The Best Soil For Oxalis and When Should You Transplant
When the plant starts to die, move it to a dry and cool place. For 1 to 3 months, the plant will be dormant. After 1 month, the purple-leaf variety will emerge from dormancy.
Here are the steps to follow for transplanting:
- Remove the plant from its container to divide the corms.
- To create new plants, gently separate the root corms.
- Place divided corms in containers that have drainage holes.
- For better drainage, fill the containers with sterile light potting dirt.
- Cover the bulb with soil at least twice its height.
- To stimulate new growth, water the plants with warm water immediately after they are planted.
- For continued plant growth, fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer during the growth period every 2 weeks.
Does Wood Sorrel Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Unless you plan on saving the seeds, cut the flower stalks off at the ground and remove any declining leaves. The plant will re-sprout with new tender leaves. Sorrel self-seeds if you allow the seed heads to remain on the plants.
How To Propagate Wood Sorrel?
The most common way to propagate sorrel is by root division, either in spring or fall. Divide your plants every 3 to 5 years to keep them healthy.
Here are the steps to propagating Wood Sorrel through root division:
- Use a shovel or sharp spade to create a circle around the sorrel clump.
- Divide the plant either by digging up the roots and splitting them by hand or by digging through the plant to create separate clusters.
- Each clump should have at least one healthy leaf.
- Replant each clump in a well-draining spot using tilled soil. If you prefer, you can put the clump in a container.
- Water regularly (1 inch per week) until well-established.
Oxalis Pests And Disease Problems
Although Sorrel isn’t often bothered by insects, aphids can settle in. So blast them with water to make your Sorrel less attractive as hiding places for these pests. Usually,
Sorrel isn’t bothered by diseases.
Is Wood Sorrel Considered Toxic Or Poisonous To People, Kids, And Pets?
People around the world use the Shamrock plant to treat:
- Liver problems.
- Digestion problems
- Wounds
- Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy)
- Gum swelling
However, most US physicians consider Wood Sorrel toxic for all ages.
However, children are most susceptible to harmful side effects of oxalic acid present in Oxalis leaves.
The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) warns animal owners that the Shamrock plant is toxic for cats, dogs, and horses because it contains soluble calcium oxalates.
Is The Wood Sorrel Plant Considered Invasive?
Although not officially considered an invasive species, some ornamental timber sorrel varieties have escaped cultivation in areas with mild climates and made their home in abandoned places, roadsides, forests, and other regions with abandoned soil.
The yellow wood sorrel weed thrives on loose, fertile soil. This is why it can be so problematic in lawns and garden beds, where the dirt is conducive to growth.
Keep your lawns thick and healthy to prevent wood sorrel from growing in them.
Suggested Shamrock Plant Uses
The clover-shaped leaves of the Oxalis come in various purple and green, and purple shades, and the plant produces graceful white and pink blooms in the fall.
This makes the Wood Sorrel a perfect ornamental plant that is hard to kill even if you don’t have a green thumb.