Oxalis stricta

Oxalis stricta
Conservation status
Secure  (NatureServe) [1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Oxalidales
Family:	Oxalidaceae
Genus:	Oxalis
Species:	O. stricta
Binomial name
Oxalis stricta L.
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 ambiguaSalisb.	1794	species	≡ hom., nom. illeg.
Oxalis bushiiSmall	1898	species	= het.
Oxalis chinensisHaw. ex G.Don	1832	species	= het., nom. nud.
Oxalis coloradensisRydb.	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 cymosaSmall	1896	species	= het.
Oxalis dillenii var. piletorum(Wiegand) Priszter	1980	variety	= het.
Oxalis europaeaJord.	1854	species	= het.
Oxalis europaea var. bushii(Small) Wiegand	1925	variety	= het.
Oxalis europaea f. cymosa(Small) Wiegand	1925	form	= het.
Oxalis europaea var. lanulosaBenke	1929	variety	= het.
Oxalis europaea f. pallidifloraFernald	1942	form	= het.
Oxalis europaea f. pilosellaWiegand	1925	form	= het.
Oxalis europaea f. subglabrataWiegand	1925	form	= het.
Oxalis europaea f. vestitaWiegand	1925	form	= het.
Oxalis europaea f. villicaulisWiegand	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 fontanaBunge	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 lejeuneiRouy	1897	species	= het.
Oxalis longepedunculataSennen	1927	species	= het.
Oxalis navieriJord.	1854	species	= het.
Oxalis oneidicaHouse	1923	species	= het.
Oxalis repens var. stricta(L.) Hatus.	1933	variety	≡ hom.
Oxalis rufaSmall	1901	species	= het.
Oxalis shinanoensisT.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. decumbensBitter	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. diffusaBoenn.	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. piletocarpaWiegand	1925	variety	= het.
Oxalis stricta var. piletorumWiegand	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. viridifloraHus	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 interiorSmall	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. POWO 2025.
3. "Oxalis stricta". robsplants.com. 2004-08-02.
4. "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. "Oxalis stricta (Yellow Wood Sorrel)". www.kingdomplantae.net. Archived from the original on 2006-10-02. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
7. Nesom 2020.
8. 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. Ferrie et al. 2015, p. 45.
14. Stack 1913, p. 142.
15. 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. "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

• NatureServe (5 November 2025). "Oxalis stricta". NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, Virginia. Retrieved 14 December 2025.
• Nesom, Guy L. (5 November 2020) [In print 2016]. "Oxalis stricta". Flora of North America . p. 148. ISBN   978-0-19-064372-0. OCLC   1101573420. Archived from the original on 24 July 2024. Retrieved 14 December 2025.
• POWO (2025). "Oxalis stricta L." Plants of the World Online . Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew . Retrieved 14 December 2025.

External links

• 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