European Wood-sorrel
Oxalis acetosella
Also listed as Acetosella alba, Oxalis alba
Also known as Wood-sorrel, Common Wood Sorrel, Cuckoo's-meat
Climate Match for your location
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A delicate, low-growing groundcover with clover-like trifoliate leaves and pale pink or white flowers. Thrives in shaded woodland settings and spreads gently to create a charming forest floor carpet.
Why grow it
European wood-sorrel occupies a niche as a low, shade-tolerant groundcover for moist woodland gardens where taller species would overshadow it. Unlike many aggressive groundcovers, it spreads moderately and self-seeds without typically dominating mixed plantings. It offers delicate spring flowers and interesting leaf texture with minimal maintenance once established in appropriate conditions.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistently moist, well-draining soil and may struggle or decline in dry shade. In some regions it can self-seed prolifically, so monitoring spread in contained garden spaces may be necessary to prevent it from overwhelming neighboring plants.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Oxalidaceae
Native Range
European
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A delicate, low-growing groundcover with clover-like trifoliate leaves and pale pink or white flowers. Thrives in shaded woodland settings and spreads gently to create a charming forest floor carpet.
Climate Match for your location
See how well European Wood-sorrel grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
European wood-sorrel occupies a niche as a low, shade-tolerant groundcover for moist woodland gardens where taller species would overshadow it. Unlike many aggressive groundcovers, it spreads moderately and self-seeds without typically dominating mixed plantings. It offers delicate spring flowers and interesting leaf texture with minimal maintenance once established in appropriate conditions.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistently moist, well-draining soil and may struggle or decline in dry shade. In some regions it can self-seed prolifically, so monitoring spread in contained garden spaces may be necessary to prevent it from overwhelming neighboring plants.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Oxalidaceae
Native Range
European
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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