Yellow Wood Sorrel, Common yellow oxalis, Common Yellow Wood Sorrel, Oxalis

Oxalis stricta

Physical Characteristics

Oxalis stricta is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) at a fast rate. It is in flower from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Florida and Texas. E. Asia. A rare introduction in Britain.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root Seedpod Edible Uses: Drink Leaves - raw or cooked[46, 61, 105]. A nice acid flavour[159], the leaves can also be chewed as a thirst quencher[183]. Use in moderation, see notes at top of sheet, Flowers - raw[105, 161, 183]. Added to salads. Young seedpods - raw[183]. Root[105, 161, 183]. No further details. A lemon-flavoured drink is made from the leaves[159].

Medicinal Uses

Febrifuge Poultice Stomachic An infusion of the plant has been used in the treatment of fevers, stomach cramps and nausea[257]. A poultice of the plant has been used to treat swellings[257].

Known Hazards

The leaves contain oxalic acid, which gives them their sharp flavour. Perfectly all right in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since oxalic acid can bind up the body's supply of calcium leading to nutritional deficiency. The quantity of oxalic acid will be reduced if the leaves are cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[238].