Creeping Woodsorrel—Oxalis corniculata and Yellow Woodsorrel—Oxalis stricta

Serious weeds in turf, ornamental plantings, gardens and nurseries.

woodsorrel plant
A perennial low-growing, creeping plant, woodsorrel grows in both full sun and shade if there is adequate moisture. Roots form along its stem where nodes contact the soil.

woodsorrel flower
Leaves are three heart-shaped leaflets and range from green to purple. Flowers have 5 yellow petals, each about 1/3 inch long on the ends of slender flower stalks.

woodsorrel fruit
Seed pods are erect, hairy and cylindrical, 1/3 to 1 inch long. Each pod has 10 to 50 seeds, with more than 5000 seeds per plant. Plants can produce seed even when kept mowed to 1/4 inch.

Click on images to view full-size

Identification and Control Information

More Information

[Photos: Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California - Davis, Bugwood.org]