The Zone for Sheep Sorrel Plants

Growing Zones

• Sheep sorrel is most adapted to growing in areas with temperate and colder climates. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8, according to James Duke in "Handbook of Edible Weeds." Certain sorrel varieties are also hardy to zone 9. Other sorrel varieties include mountain sorrel, garden sorrel and silver shield sorrel.

Habitat

• In its native growing zones, sheep sorrel is found in sand prairies, open fields, disturbed sites and dry and sunny waste areas. In urban settings, the herb grows easily around shrubs and in lawns. The plant prefers sunny areas with sparse vegetation and acidic soils. Sheep sorrel is also easy to find along roads, gravel and sand pits, agricultural lands and beaches. Sheep sorrel is one of the most easily accessible edible wild plants in North America, according to the Wild Foods website.

Description

• The low-growing sheep sorrel plant has a mature height of about 1 1/2 feet with a basal rosette composed of 2- to 6-inch-long, dark green leaves. The partially succulent foliage is broad in the center and is smooth-surfaced. Younger leaves are dark brown and rounded in form. The plant occasionally produces 1 1/2-foot-tall, flowering stalks with panicles of very small flowers. The flowers in the 1 1/2-inch-wide panicle are either entirely male or entirely female.

Growth Requirements

• Plant sheep sorrel in an area of full to partial sun and a fertile, preferably acidic, soil for best growth. Sheep sorrel, however, adapts to a variety of well-drained soils. The plant is easily propagated with seed, cuttings or division. Remove dead flower heads to improve growth. The plant is likely to die back in regions with very hot summers. Growth resumes again in more favorable conditions. Water regularly during hot weather.