We love discovering new (to us) plants on our woodland walks, (as well as the weeds in our yard and garden)! One recent discovery for our area in the Piedmont of North Carolina, zone 7, is this one little patch of Oxalis dillenii, commonly known as southern wood sorrel.

The Google image search that matched our image is a southern wood sorrell, (Oxalis dillenii). While the shapes and growth patterns are the same, none of the many images we searched had the same leaf coloration as our photo. But of course cross pollination of species happens, creating more variations.

Possibly Oxalis corniculata, AKA Creeping Wood Sorrel

Perhaps the one we saw is younger or growing in more shade causing a different color pigment to show up. This plant also looks close to Creeping Wood Sorrel, known botanically as Oxalis corniculata, which does develop bronze tinted leaves in colder weather.

However, that one doesn’t exactly match our images either. Either way, it’s certain that this is an oxalis and that it’s a wood sorrel!

If you know more about this plant, please drop us a note. We appreciate learning from your experience and enjoy sharing it here as well.

About Oxalis dillenii, Southern Wood Sorrel

Oxalis dillenii, commonly known as Southern Wood Sorrel, is a herbaceous perennial plant species belonging to the Oxalidaceae family. This species is native to the southeastern United States, where it can be found growing in various habitats, such as fields, meadows, woodlands, and roadsides.

Where does Oxalis dillenii Grow and in What Environments?

• Southeastern United States
• Fields
• Forests
• Meadows
• Roadsides
• Partial to full sunlight
• Well-drained soil

Where we are, the Oxalis dillenii, is growing in numerous tiny patches typically under trees and shrubs along the edge of a woodland driveway.

Well established southern wood sorrel grows in a sprawling, low-lying manner, often forming dense mats on the ground. It is said to be widely distributed in the southeastern United States, and can be found in various habitats including forests, fields, meadows, and along roadsides. Southern Wood Sorrel thrives in well-drained soil and prefers partial to full sunlight.

Oxalis dillenii Description

Southern Wood Sorrel is characterized by its small, trifoliate leaves that resemble clover, and perky yellow flowers that bloom from spring into to fall in temperate zones.ds

Southern Wood Sorrel Leaves

SHAPE: The leaves of Oxalis dillenii are trifoliate, meaning they consist of three leaflets joined at a common point on the petiole (leaf stalk). Each leaflet is heart shaped and measures about ½-1 inch in length.

COLOR: The southern wood sorrel leaves are bright green in color, and will sometimes have with a reddish tinge at the base, along the edges or in the interior portion of the leaves.

NYCTINASTIC: At night and during periods of intense sunlight, Oxalis dillenii leaves fold in half giving the plant a distinctive appearance.

Oxalis dillenii Flowers

Southern wood sorrels produce small, yellow flowers that typically have five petals, although they can occasionally have up to seven petals. The flowers are around ½-1 inch in diameter and are borne on slender stalks that rise above the leaves.

These wood sorrels can bloom throughout the year or spring to fall, depending on the regional climate. But the most abundant flowering occurs in spring and early summer and are visited by bees and other pollinators.

Southern Wood Sorrel Fruit

The fruit of Oxalis dillenii is a capsule that is a dry dehiscent fruit, which means that that the fruit husk-like capsule splits open at maturity to release its seeds. The capsule is elongated and cylindrical, measuring about ½-1 inch in length.

When the seeds are mature, the capsule explosively ejects them, dispersing them several feet away from the parent plant.

Oxalis dillenii Roots

Southern Wood Sorrel has a shallow, fibrous root system that enables the plant to absorb water and nutrients efficiently from the upper layers of the soil. This root system also allows the plant to spread and form dense colonies, which can be a valuable adaptation for competing with other plants in its native habitats.

In summary

Oxalis dillenii, or Southern Wood Sorrel, can be identified by its trifoliate, heart-shaped leaves, small yellow flowers, elongated fruit capsules, and shallow root system. Its distinctive growth habit, along with its preferred habitat of well-drained soil and partial to full sunlight, can further aid in its identification.

Is Southern Wood Sorrel Edible?

Yes, southern wood sorrel, (Oxalis dllenii) is an edible plant, and various parts of it have been consumed by humans for centuries. The leaves, flowers, and tender stems are all edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They have a tangy, lemony flavor due to the presence of oxalic acid.

In small quantities, oxalic acid is generally safe for consumption, but excessive consumption may lead to kidney stones or other health issues. Consequently, it is advisable to consume southern wood sorrel in moderation.

The leaves and flowers can be added to salads or used as a garnish, while the stems can be cooked and added to various dishes. Woodsorrel can also be used as a tea and is said to be a good source of vitamin C, providing a natural immune system boost.^[1]https://www.wildedible.com/wild-food-guide/wood-sorrel

However, once again, while we could not find research confirming the benefits and nutrients of this particular variety of sorrel, chances are that the green sorrels contain similar nutrients, which are also said to include vitamin B1, calcium and iron.^[2]https://www.planetayurveda.com/health-benefits-of-indian-sorrel-oxalis-corniculata/

The leaves, flowers, and green seed pods of all Sorrels are also edible. They are best eaten raw – added to salads or used as a sandwich garnish for their tart-sour taste.

REFERENCE: Charles W. Kane, Applied Medical Botany^[3]https://medivetus.com/botanic/oxalis-dillenii-southern-wood-sorrel-edible-uses/#:~:text=The%20leaves%2C%20flowers%2C%20and%20green,for%20their%20tart%E2%80%93sour%20taste.

Medicinal Benefits of Oxalis Dillenii

Historically, wood sorrel has been used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties. However, the most commonly cited medicinal sorrel is Oxalis corniculata, AKA, Indian sorrel.

While we did not find medicinal information on southern wood sorrel, Oxalis dillenii, it is edible and likely has similar benefits to other sorrels, which include

However it is likely that no specific studies have been done on this wee little plant gracing transitional woodland areas.

Caution in Using Southern Wood Sorrel

The presence of oxalic acid in the plant, however, means that it should be consumed with caution, (similar to other greens with high oxalic content)^[4]https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/diet-nutrition/high-oxalate-foods-bad-for-kidney-stone. This especially applies to individuals with a history of kidney stones or other kidney-related issues, as well as those with rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

Also, pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution when consuming southern wood sorrel.

Whenever foraging wild edibles and/or medicinal plants, do your research and consult with an experienced practitioner.