Perennial Outdoor Plant With Clover Shaped Leaves & Lavender Flowers

Foliage

• Redwood sorrel comes from the genus Oxalis which derived its name from the mildly toxic oxalic acid; the leaves of redwood sorrel contain amounts of oxalic acid. The medium textured foliage grows on 2- to 7-inch stalks with three leaflets measuring at 2 inches in length and width and 3 ½ inch wide and long leaves with three deep lobes. Redwood sorrel has light green heart-shaped leaves with purple hued undersides. During photosynthesis, redwood sorrel's leaves fold downwards when struck by direct sunlight and reopen when the sunlight fades away.

Flowers and Seeds

• Redwood sorrel has a long blooming period spanning February through September. The flowers grow on upright light green 2- to 6-inch tall stems. Redwood sorrel has 1- to 2-inch wide flowers that come in hues of white, pink and lavender. The sometimes variegated blossoms have a funnel shape, five petals and five sepals. The almond-shaped seeds of red sorrel are encased in egg-shaped capsules covered with tiny hairs. Each seed capsule has five chambers which contain small, tart tasting seeds.

Health and Habitat

• Redwood sorrel is an indigenous plant to western regions of North America and is found in moist coniferous forests in southwestern British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California. Redwood sorrel prefers moist, fertile, humus-enriched soils with full to partial shade. When grown in a garden, redwood sorrel requires moderate moisture and light maintenance. Common diseases include rust, powdery mildew, fugal leaf spots and seed smut. Redwood sorrel is prone to a minimum amount of pests. Leaf miners and spider mites occasionally trouble this hardy plant.

Uses

• Native Americans used redwood sorrel leaves for a variety of medical ailments including rheumatism, eye drops, boils and sores. Many species of birds use redwood sorrel leaves and seeds as an important food source. Some animals such as deer eat redwood sorrel leaves. Landscapers and home gardeners use redwood sorrel as a substitute for English ivy and plant it along with companion plants wild ginger, evergreen huckleberry and redwood violet for spring, summer and fall interest. This perennial makes an eye-catching ground cover because of its long blooming season.