Broadleaf wood sorrel, scientifically known as Oxalis stricta, is a common plant found in various environments, from cultivated gardens to wild landscapes. Also known as yellow wood sorrel, it is a familiar sight across many regions. It adapts well to different conditions, establishing itself readily in numerous settings.
Identifying Broadleaf Wood Sorrel
Broadleaf wood sorrel is identifiable by its trifoliate leaves, each composed of three heart-shaped leaflets. This gives it a resemblance to clover, though clovers typically have more rounded leaflets. These delicate leaflets often fold inward at night or when the plant experiences stress. The leaves are typically green, but can sometimes exhibit a reddish or purplish tint.
The plant produces small, bright yellow flowers, each with five petals. These blooms can appear singly or in small clusters from spring through fall. Following the bloom, broadleaf wood sorrel develops slender, erect seed pods.
These distinctive seed capsules are cylindrical, 3/8 to 1 inch long, and have five angled sides. Initially green, they transition to a brownish hue as they mature. The pods exhibit explosive dehiscence, bursting open to forcefully scatter tiny, brown, oval seeds several feet away.
Characteristics and Growth Habits
Broadleaf wood sorrel thrives in a variety of environments, commonly found in disturbed soils, lawns, gardens, open fields, roadsides, and even cracks in pavement. It prefers conditions ranging from mesic to dry-mesic and grows well in loam, clay-loam, gravelly loam, or sandy loam soils. It also demonstrates resilience, tolerating soils that are not particularly rich in nutrients.
Though often behaving as an annual in colder climates, Oxalis stricta is a tender perennial. It produces thousands of seeds annually from its explosive capsules, ensuring widespread dispersal.
Beyond seed propagation, broadleaf wood sorrel also spreads aggressively via rhizomes, which are horizontal underground stems capable of producing new plants. Its weak stems can also branch at the base and root at nodes, further aiding its spread. This combination of seeding and vegetative reproduction allows it to form dense mats.
Edibility and Safety Concerns
Broadleaf wood sorrel is edible, with various parts offering a distinct tangy, lemony flavor. The leaves, flowers, and cylindrical seed pods are commonly consumed. Some varieties may also produce edible tubers.
The plant’s tart taste is attributed to the presence of oxalic acid, a compound also found in common foods such as spinach and chocolate. While safe for consumption in moderate amounts, ingesting very large quantities of broadleaf wood sorrel can potentially lead to health concerns. This is particularly relevant for individuals predisposed to kidney stones, as high levels of oxalic acid can contribute to their formation.
For most people, enjoying broadleaf wood sorrel as an occasional addition to salads, pestos, or as a trailside snack is safe. It can be consumed raw or incorporated into cooked dishes. As with any foraged plant, accurate identification is important before consumption.
Management and Control
Managing broadleaf wood sorrel, particularly when it is considered a weed in cultivated areas, involves several practical approaches. Non-chemical methods are often the first line of defense. Hand-pulling can be effective for small infestations, though the plant’s fragile stems and ability to root from nodes or rhizomes can make complete removal challenging.
Applying a layer of mulch can help suppress seed germination, as broadleaf wood sorrel seeds require sunlight to sprout. Encouraging the vigorous growth of desirable plants through proper watering and cultivation practices can also outcompete the sorrel. These cultural methods create an environment less favorable for its establishment.
For more pervasive infestations, chemical controls may be considered. Pre-emergence herbicides can be applied to prevent seeds from germinating effectively. When plants are young and actively growing, non-selective herbicides designed for broadleaf weeds can be used. Timing is important with chemical applications, especially considering the plant’s explosive seed dispersal mechanism.