Oxalis acetosella
common wood sorrel
A rhizomatous spreading perennial up to 10cm in height when in flower, with leaves of three heart-shaped, folded green leaflets. Among the leaves delicate flower stems bear single, funnel-shaped white flowers with fine pink veins, from spring to midsummer
Other common names
alleluiacuckoo bread
see morecuckoo meat
cuckoo sorrel
cuckooflower
fairy bells
French sorrel
gowk meat
hallelujah
hearts
lady's clover
little gentle one
marsh clover
sleeping beauty
sleeping clover
sleeping Molly
sow trefoil
St Cecilia's flower
St Patrick's cross
stabwort
stubwort
wood sorrel
wood sower
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Oxalidaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Oxalis can be annuals or perennials, with fibrous, bulbous or rhizomatous rootstocks, palmately divided leaves and funnel-shaped or bowl-shaped flowers that mostly close in dull weather and at night
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in dappled shade
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring; small sections of rhizome root easily with bottom heat or from seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to rust diseases
Get involved
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