Slender Yellow Woodsorrel
Oxalis dillenii
Also listed as Xanthoxalis dillenii, Oxalis prostrata
Also known as Common Yellow Woodsorrel, Dillen's Wood-sorrel, Dillenius' Wood-sorrel
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing herbaceous perennial with slender stems and clover-like foliage, producing delicate yellow flowers in warm months. Hardy and drought-tolerant, it spreads readily and often self-seeds in gardens and disturbed areas.
Why grow it
Oxalis dillenii offers fine-textured groundcover comparable to other wood sorrels but with notably sparse, upright habit that integrates well into mixed plantings without overwhelming neighbors. Its drought tolerance and minimal fertility requirements make it useful for establishing cover in degraded or sandy soils where establishment is challenging. The bright yellow flowers provide season-long color in warm months, distinguishing it from some shade-preferring Oxalis species.
Watch out for
While drought-tolerant once established, young plants benefit from consistent moisture during their first season. In garden settings, this species can spread vigorously through self-seeding, so deadheading spent flowers helps manage its footprint if containment is desired. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to part shade, and may become leggy or sparse in heavily shaded spots.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Oxalidaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
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
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A low-growing herbaceous perennial with slender stems and clover-like foliage, producing delicate yellow flowers in warm months. Hardy and drought-tolerant, it spreads readily and often self-seeds in gardens and disturbed areas.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Slender Yellow Woodsorrel grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Oxalis dillenii offers fine-textured groundcover comparable to other wood sorrels but with notably sparse, upright habit that integrates well into mixed plantings without overwhelming neighbors. Its drought tolerance and minimal fertility requirements make it useful for establishing cover in degraded or sandy soils where establishment is challenging. The bright yellow flowers provide season-long color in warm months, distinguishing it from some shade-preferring Oxalis species.
Watch out for
While drought-tolerant once established, young plants benefit from consistent moisture during their first season. In garden settings, this species can spread vigorously through self-seeding, so deadheading spent flowers helps manage its footprint if containment is desired. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to part shade, and may become leggy or sparse in heavily shaded spots.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Oxalidaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
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
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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