Wood Sorrel
Oxalis stricta
Wood sorrel is a clover-like herb with heart-shaped trifoliate leaves and small flowers, common as a garden and lawn weed.
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate; tolerates dry spells
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Wood sorrel (Oxalis stricta and related species) is a small herbaceous plant often mistaken for clover because of its three heart-shaped leaflets. It is widespread as a lawn and garden weed.
Plants fold their leaves at night and in bright sun, and seed pods explosively eject seeds when ripe, aiding their rapid spread.
How to identify it
Distinguished from clover by leaf shape and flower color.
- Leaves: Three heart-shaped (notched) leaflets, unlike clover's oval, often white-marked leaflets
- Flowers: Small, five-petaled, typically bright yellow (some species pink or white)
- Seed pods: Slender, upright, okra-like capsules that burst to scatter seeds
- Size: Low and spreading, 4-12 inches tall
- Behavior: Leaflets fold downward at night or in stress
Care & growing
Thrives almost anywhere with minimal care, which is why it is weedy.
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Average moisture; tolerates short dry periods
- Soil: Adapts to nearly any soil; common in lawns, beds, and cracks
- Temperature: Hardy and adaptable across USDA zones 4-9
- Propagation: Self-seeds prolifically via exploding pods; ornamental Oxalis types grown from bulbs/tubers
- Control: Hand-pull including roots; persistent because of abundant seed
Habitat & origin
Wood sorrel species are found across North America, Europe, and much of the temperate world, often in disturbed soils, lawns, gardens, woodlands, and roadsides.
Native ranges vary by species, but Oxalis stricta is native to North America and parts of Eurasia. Ornamental cultivars, sometimes sold as "false shamrock" or purple shamrock, are grown as houseplants and garden accents.
Frequently asked questions
Is wood sorrel the same as clover?
No. They look similar, but wood sorrel has heart-shaped, notched leaflets and yellow (or pink) flowers, while true clover has oval leaflets and round pink or white flower heads.
Why is wood sorrel so hard to weed out?
Its seed pods explosively eject seeds several feet, spreading the plant widely, and any root fragments left behind can regrow.
How do I identify wood sorrel?
Look for three heart-shaped, notched leaflets, small five-petaled flowers (usually yellow, sometimes pink or white), and slender upright capsules. The leaflets fold downward at night or under stress.
Where does wood sorrel grow?
Wood sorrel species grow across North America, Europe, and much of the temperate world, often in disturbed soils, lawns, gardens, woodlands, and roadsides.
Wood Sorrel guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Wood Sorrel.
