Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Dick Diener
Photo by: Dick Diener

Nomenclature

Common Name:

common yellow woodsorrel

Synonym(s):

Acetosella corniculata

Genus species:

Oxalis corniculata

Family:

Oxalidaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

flower

Size:

.2 to .3 ft tall by 1.0 to 2.0 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

yellow

Fruit Color:

NA

Phenology:

winter dormant

Noted For:

Showy Flowers

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Good addition to a freedom lawn.

Considerations:

Will spread.

Availability:

Seed

Propagation:

Self seeds from pods that explode and throw seeds. Also spreads by rooting at the nods

Light:

Full Sun, Part Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Somewhat moist, no flooding ---to--- Not wet but not extremely dry

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand

Soil pH:

6.1 - 7.8

Suitable to Grow In:

8A,8B,9A,9B,10A,10B,11

Ecology

Wildlife:

Pollinators, Butterflies

Nectar attracts bees, butterflies and flies.

Native Habitats:

disturbed areas

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

Cherokee used this plant for numerous purposes, including; food, as an infusion for hookworms and to stop vomiting, plant was chewed to relieve sore throat. It should be mentioned that the leaves contain high levels of oxalate crystals that can cause kidney stones and other kidney problems.

General Comments:

Invasive in many parts of the world.  It is either a blessing or a pest in Florida depending on where it is.