1. * Redwood Sorrel – Oxalis oregana
(oks-AL-iss
or-reh-GAH (or GAY)-nuh )
Family: Oxalidaceae (Wood Sorrel Family)
Coastal central California to Washington; moist Redwood Forest, Douglas-Fir Forest
between 0 and 3280 feet.
Native to:
Growth characteristics: spreading herb. perennial
mature height: <1 ft. mature width: 2-3 ft.
Drought-deciduous herbaceous perennial that spreads via creeping rhizomes. Leaves bright green
shamrocks (Leaf divided into 3 heart-shaped leaflets). Often forms a lush carpet in redwood
forests of N. CA. Foliage is sour-tasting due to oxalic acid – leaves can be used sparingly
as a flavoring agent.
Blooms in spring – often April-June in our area. Flowers are dainty, pink or white
flowers on long slender stalks above foliage. Flowers often have darker pink stripes. Very lovely in
bloom – a real treat in dark areas of the garden.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most often used as a groundcover under pines, redwood and other conifers.
Does well anywhere that is shady and regularly watered.
Very woodsy-looking.
containers in shady spots. Leaves used for a poultice for sores, boils.
Does fine in
Sensible substitute for: Non-native herbaceous groundcovers, including African Oxalis spp.
Attracts: Good bird habitat: songbirds eat leaves in spring.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Part-shade to quite shady.
Most local soils fine except very alkali (pH > 8.0)
Regular water/moist soil; Water Zone 2-3 to 3
Like humus – can incorporate into planting soils; ok with yearly fertilizer.
Use an organic mulch – leaf mulch best.
Management:
Pretty easy in moist, shady places.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed in fall/winter
by divisions: easy; fall, winter
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 11, 24
4/5/12
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