Oxalis stricta
Plant species in the wood-sorrel family

Oxalis stricta
Secure
Secure  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Oxalidales
Family: Oxalidaceae
Genus: Oxalis
Species:
O. stricta
Binomial name
Oxalis stricta
Synonyms[2]
  • Oxalis europaea Jord.
  • Oxalis fontana Bunge

Oxalis stricta, called the common yellow woodsorrel (or simply yellow woodsorrel), common yellow oxalis, or upright yellow-sorrel is a herbaceous plant.[3]

Habitat

O. stricta is native to North America and East Asia and has been introduced elsewhere, especially in Europe.[4] It was not documented in Michigan before the 1890s.[5]

It tends to grow in woodlands, meadows, and in disturbed areas as both a perennial and annual.[6] and generally requires dry or moist, alkaline soils, preferring sandy and loamy dirt to grow in. It requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor grounds.

Commonly considered a weed of gardens, fields, and lawns, it grows in full sun or shade.

Description

Upright yellow woodsorrel is an annual or short-lived perennial plant that has short rhizomes, but never has bulbs.[7] The alternate leaves of this plant are divided into three distinctively heart-shaped leaflets (a typical trait of other species of Oxalis) that can grow up to 2 cm wide. These leaves curl up at night (exhibiting nyctinasty), and open in the day to perform photosynthesis.

The flowers of the plant are hermaphroditic, blooming from July to October.

The mature seed capsules open explosively when disturbed (a very similar trait to that of the mature seed capsules or fruits of plants found in the genus Impatiens) and can disperse seeds up to 4 meters (about 13 feet) away.

Erect when young, this plant later becomes decumbent as it lies down, and branches regularly.

It is not to be confused with similar plants in the same genus which are also often referred to as "yellow woodsorrel".

Taxonomy

Oxalis stricta was given its scientific name in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus. It is classified in the genus Oxalis within the family Oxalidaceae. It has 82 synonyms including 29 species names.[2]

Table of Synonyms
Name Year Rank Notes
Acetosella chinensis (Haw. ex G.Don) Kuntze 1891 species = het., not validly publ.
Acetosella fontana (Bunge) Kuntze 1891 species = het.
Acetosella stricta (L.) Kuntze 1891 species ≡ hom.
Ceratoxalis coloradensis (Rydb.) Lunell 1916 species = het.
Ceratoxalis cymosa (Small) Lunell 1916 species = het.
Ceratoxalis stricta (L.) Lunell 1916 species ≡ hom.
Oxalis ambigua Salisb. 1794 species ≡ hom., nom. illeg.
Oxalis bushii Small 1898 species = het.
Oxalis chinensis Haw. ex G.Don 1832 species = het., nom. nud.
Oxalis coloradensis Rydb. 1902 species = het.
Oxalis corniculata var. longepedunculata (Sennen) R.Knuth 1930 variety = het.
Oxalis corniculata subsp. navieri (Jord.) Tourlet 1908 subspecies = het.
Oxalis corniculata proles navieri (Jord.) Rouy 1897 proles = het.
Oxalis corniculata subvar. piletocarpa (Wiegand) Farw. 1926 subvariety = het.
Oxalis corniculata subsp. stricta (L.) Bonnier & Layens 1894 subspecies ≡ hom.
Oxalis corniculata var. stricta (L.) Sav. 1798 variety ≡ hom.
Oxalis corniculata proles stricta (L.) Rouy 1897 proles ≡ hom.
Oxalis cymosa Small 1896 species = het.
Oxalis dillenii var. piletorum (Wiegand) Priszter 1980 variety = het.
Oxalis europaea Jord. 1854 species = het.
Oxalis europaea var. bushii (Small) Wiegand 1925 variety = het.
Oxalis europaea f. cymosa (Small) Wiegand 1925 form = het.
Oxalis europaea var. lanulosa Benke 1929 variety = het.
Oxalis europaea f. pallidiflora Fernald 1942 form = het.
Oxalis europaea f. pilosella Wiegand 1925 form = het.
Oxalis europaea f. subglabrata Wiegand 1925 form = het.
Oxalis europaea f. vestita Wiegand 1925 form = het.
Oxalis europaea f. villicaulis Wiegand 1925 form = het.
Oxalis fluminensis var. bushii (Small) H.Hara 1949 variety = het.
Oxalis fluminensis f. cymosa (Small) H.Hara 1949 form = het.
Oxalis fluminensis f. pallidiflora (Fernald) H.Hara 1949 form = het.
Oxalis fluminensis f. pilosella (Wiegand) H.Hara 1949 form = het.
Oxalis fluminensis f. subglabrata (Wiegand) H.Hara 1949 form = het.
Oxalis fluminensis f. vestita (Wiegand) H.Hara 1949 form = het.
Oxalis fluminensis f. villicaulis (Wiegand) H.Hara 1949 form = het.
Oxalis fontana Bunge 1835 species = het.
Oxalis fontana var. bushii (Small) H.Hara 1949 variety = het.
Oxalis fontana var. rufa (Small) Karlsson 1989 variety = het.
Oxalis interior (Small) R.Knuth 1919 species = het.
Oxalis lejeunei Rouy 1897 species = het.
Oxalis longepedunculata Sennen 1927 species = het.
Oxalis navieri Jord. 1854 species = het.
Oxalis oneidica House 1923 species = het.
Oxalis repens var. stricta (L.) Hatus. 1933 variety ≡ hom.
Oxalis rufa Small 1901 species = het.
Oxalis shinanoensis T.Itô 1909 species = het.
Oxalis stricta var. bushii (Small) Farw. 1918 variety = het.
Oxalis stricta f. cymosa (Small) C.F.Reed 1982 form = het.
Oxalis stricta var. decumbens Bitter 1907 variety = het.
Oxalis stricta f. decumbens (Bitter) J.Hantz 1979 form = het.
Oxalis stricta subsp. diffusa (Boenn.) Tourlet 1908 subspecies = het.
Oxalis stricta var. diffusa Boenn. 1824 variety = het.
Oxalis stricta var. europaea (Jord.) R.Knuth 1930 variety = het.
Oxalis stricta var. lejeunei (Rouy) P.Fourn. 1937 variety = het.
Oxalis stricta var. navieri (Jord.) Nyman 1878 variety = het.
Oxalis stricta var. piletocarpa Wiegand 1925 variety = het.
Oxalis stricta var. piletorum Wiegand 1925 variety = het.
Oxalis stricta var. rufa (Small) Farw. 1918 variety = het.
Oxalis stricta var. villicaulis (Wiegand) Farw. 1928 variety = het.
Oxalis stricta f. villicaulis (Wiegand) C.F.Reed 1982 form = het.
Oxalis stricta var. viridiflora Hus 1907 variety = het.
Oxalis stricta f. viridiflora (Hus) Fernald 1936 form = het.
Oxys stricta (L.) All. 1785 species ≡ hom.
Xanthoxalis bushii (Small) Small 1903 species = het.
Xanthoxalis coloradensis (Rydb.) Rydb. 1906 species = het.
Xanthoxalis cymosa (Small) Small 1903 species = het.
Xanthoxalis dillenii var. piletocarpa (Wiegand) Holub 1972 variety = het.
Xanthoxalis dillenii var. piletorum (Wiegand) Holub 1972 variety = het.
Xanthoxalis europaea (Jord.) Moldenke 1942 species = het.
Xanthoxalis europaea var. bushii (Small) Moldenke 1943 variety = het.
Xanthoxalis europaea f. cymosa (Small) Moldenke 1943 form = het.
Xanthoxalis europaea f. subglabrata (Wiegand) Moldenke 1943 form = het.
Xanthoxalis europaea f. vestita (Wiegand) Moldenke 1943 form = het.
Xanthoxalis europaea f. villicaulis (Wiegand) Moldenke 1944 form = het.
Xanthoxalis fontana (Bunge) Holub 1972 species = het.
Xanthoxalis fontana subsp. villicaulis (Wiegand) Tzvelev 1977 subspecies = het.
Xanthoxalis interior Small 1903 species = het.
Xanthoxalis rufa (Small) Small 1903 species = het.
Xanthoxalis stricta (L.) Small 1903 species ≡ hom.
Xanthoxalis stricta var. piletocarpa (Wiegand) Moldenke 1943 variety = het.
Xanthoxalis stricta subsp. villicaulis (Wiegand) Tzvelev 1996 subspecies = het.
Xanthoxalis stricta f. viridiflora (Hus) Moldenke 1943 form = het.
Notes: ≡ homotypic synonym ; = heterotypic synonym

Names

Oxalis stricta is known by the common name common yellow woodsorrel,[8] also spelled common yellow wood-sorrel and common yellow wood sorrel,[9][10] but this name has also been applied to Oxalis dillenii.[11] Additionally it is called yellow sheepsorrel,[8] sheep shower,[12] and stickwort.[13]

It is known as sour grass for the agreeably sour flavor of the leaves and unripe pods.[14] Similarly, it is informally called sour clover, sauerkraut, and pickles, particularly by children.[15] Other sour names include sour trefoil, wood sour,[13] pickel plant, and lemon clover.[16] For the shape of its seed capsule it is sometimes named sour bananas.[15]

In the early 1900s it was called lady's sorrel in the United States,[14] however both Oxalis corniculata and Oxalis acetosella are also known as lady's sorrel.[17] It was also known as upright yellow wood-sorrel, sheep sorrel, and sheep poison around the same time in the US.[18]

Cultivation

A drawing showing various parts of young O. stricta plants

Culinary uses

All parts of the plant are edible,[4] with a distinct tangy flavor (common to all plants in the genus Oxalis). The leaves taste mild, with a similar taste to lemons. Lemon clover is often eaten while hiking or camping. However, it should only be eaten in small quantities, since oxalic acid is an antinutrient and can inhibit the body's absorption of calcium.[19] The sour favor is elimiated when the plant is cooked.[15]

Oxalis stricta, showing seed pods.

The leaves and flowers of the plant are sometimes added to salads for decoration and flavoring. These can also be chewed raw (along with other parts of the plant, but not the root) as a thirst-quencher.[4] The green pods are pleasant raw, having a juicy crisp texture and a tartness similar to rhubarb in flavor.

The leaves can be used to make a flavored drink that is similar in taste to lemonade,[4] and the whole plant can be brewed as herbal tea that has an aroma somewhat like that of cooked green beans.

The juices of the plant have been extracted from its greens as a substitute to common vinegar.

Practical uses

An orange dye can be obtained by boiling the whole plant.[4][20]

Medicinal uses

Oxalis stricta contains large amounts of vitamin C,[6] and has been used to treat scurvy.[20]

A poultice of the plant has been used to treat swellings.[4]

References

Citations

  1. ^ NatureServe 2025.
  2. ^ a b POWO 2025.
  3. ^ "Oxalis stricta". robsplants.com. 2004-08-02.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Oxalis stricta Yellow Wood Sorrel, Common yellow oxalis, Common Yellow Wood Sorrel, Oxalis PFAF Plant Database". pfaf.org. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
  5. ^ Voss 1972, p. 501.
  6. ^ a b "Oxalis stricta (Yellow Wood Sorrel)". www.kingdomplantae.net. Archived from the original on 2006-10-02. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
  7. ^ Nesom 2020.
  8. ^ a b Everitt, Lonard & Little 2007, p. 118.
  9. ^ Clemants & Gracie 2006, p. 176.
  10. ^ Perkins 1982, p. 115.
  11. ^ Darbyshire, Favreau & Murray 2000, p. 75.
  12. ^ Young 1993, p. 58.
  13. ^ a b Ferrie et al. 2015, p. 45.
  14. ^ a b Stack 1913, p. 142.
  15. ^ a b c Young 1993, p. 59.
  16. ^ Sampson 2013, p. 354.
  17. ^ Lovelock 1972, pp. 220–221.
  18. ^ Lyons 1900, p. 271.
  19. ^ "Oxalis stricta (Yellow Wood Sorrel) - Practical Plants". practicalplants.org. Retrieved 2016-08-02.
  20. ^ a b "Wood Sorrel". Natural Resource Stewardship. Iowa State University. Retrieved 2025-05-17.

Sources

Books
  • Clemants, Steven Earl; Gracie, Carol (2006). Wildflowers in the Field and Forest: A Field Guide to the Northeastern United States. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-530488-6. OCLC 58451859. Retrieved 14 December 2025.
  • Darbyshire, S. J.; Favreau, Marc; Murray, Margaret (2000). Common and Scientific Names of Weeds in Canada: = Noms populaires et scientifiques des plantes nuisibles du Canada (Revised and enlarged ed.). Ottawa, Canada: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. ISBN 978-0-660-61560-8. OCLC 45439071. Retrieved 14 December 2025.
  • Everitt, J. H.; Lonard, Robert I.; Little, Christopher R. (2007). Weeds in South Texas and Northern Mexico: A Guide to Identification. Lubbock: Texas Tech University Press. ISBN 978-0-89672-614-7. OCLC 85692857. Retrieved 14 December 2025.
  • Ferrie, Suzie; Harrar, Sari; Lord, Melody; McPhee, Margaret; Nixon, Deborah; Rutherford, Tracy; Thompson, Sophie (2015). The Ultimate Book of Vegetables : Gardening, Health, Beauty, Craft, Cooking (Canadian ed.). Montreal, Quebec: Reader's Digest Association (Canada). ISBN 978-1-55475-151-8. OCLC 990146495. Retrieved 15 December 2025.
  • Lovelock, Yann (1972). The Vegetable Book: An Unnatural History. Illustrated by Meg Rutherford. London: George Allen & Unwin Ltd. ISBN 978-0-04-581008-6. OCLC 632673. Retrieved 15 December 2025.
  • Lyons, A. B. (1900). Plant Names, Scientific and Popular : Including in the Case of Each Plant the Correct Botanical Name in Accordance With the Reformed Nomenclature, Together With Botanical and Popular Synonyms. Detroit, Michigan: Nelson, Baker & Co. OCLC 903996906. Retrieved 15 December 2025.
  • Perkins, William D. (1982). Chestnuts, Galls, and Dandelion Wine : Useful Wild Plants of the Boston Harbor Islands. Halifax, Massachusetts: Plant Press. ISBN 978-0-940960-00-8. OCLC 7944711. Retrieved 14 December 2025.
  • Sampson, Susan (2013). The Complete Leafy Greens Cookbook : 67 Leafy Greens & 250 Recipes. Toronto, Ontario: Robert Rose. ISBN 978-0-7788-0457-4. OCLC 410143. Retrieved 15 December 2025.
  • Stack, Frederic William (1913). Wild Flowers Every Child Should Know : Arranged According to Color, With Reliable Descriptions of the More Common Species of the United States and Canada. New York: Doubleday, Page and Co. OCLC 1646135. Retrieved 15 December 2025.
  • Voss, Edward Groesbeck (1972). Michigan Flora: A Guide to the Identification and Occurrence of the Native and Naturalized Seed-plants of the State. Bloomfield Hills, Michigan: Cranbrook Institute of Science. ISBN 978-0-87737-032-1. OCLC 410143. Retrieved 15 December 2025.
  • Young, Kay (1993). Wild Seasons: Gathering and Cooking Wild Plants of the Great Plains. Lincoln, Nebraska: University of Nebraska Press. ISBN 978-0-8032-4906-6. OCLC 26932474.
Web sources
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Oxalis stricta.
Wikibooks has more on the topic of: Oxalis stricta
Wikiversity has bloom time data for Oxalis stricta on the Bloom Clock
  • Oxalis stricta / Yellow Woodsorrel / Love Love Love - Survival Plants Memory Course at the Wayback Machine (archived March 31, 2016)
  • United States Department of Agriculture: Profile For Oxalis Stricta
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