Plant Profile: Oxalis stricta

Common yellow woodsorrel belongs to the Oxalidaceae family and is often regarded as a weed in various lawns and garden settings. It can also be found in woodlands, meadows, and other disturbed environments. This plant thrives in warmer climates during the spring and fall, although it can be found throughout the year. As a perennial, it spreads through rhizomes, stolons, and seeds. The seeds are forcefully ejected from cylindrical pods, capable of traveling up to 16 feet, similar to the behavior of Impatiens. They germinate rapidly, as they do not undergo a dormancy period. The flowers are a vibrant yellow, and the plant is characterized by its heart-shaped leaflets on trifoliolate leaves and cylindrical seed pods. While the leaves may resemble those of clover, woodsorrel is not part of the legume family. Notably, the leaves curl at night and unfurl in the morning to facilitate photosynthesis. This plant prefers well-drained sandy-loam soils that are dry to moist and alkaline, and it can thrive even in nutrient-poor conditions.

In terms of pests and diseases, woodsorrel can host whiteflies and mites.

To manage Oxalis stricta, maintaining cleanliness is essential, particularly in container plants and propagation areas. It is important to prevent the plants from seeding and to properly dispose of any plant material instead of leaving it on the ground, as it may continue to mature. Before planting, inspect all new plant materials for signs of this weed. Most preemergence herbicides effectively control woodsorrel from seeds. However, once established, completely eradicating the rhizomes and stolons is nearly impossible. Since seeds require sunlight to germinate, applying mulch can help limit germination, though it will not prevent propagation from root fragments. Nonselective herbicides are most effective when the plants are still young.

This information is brought to you by Homegrown, featuring Travis Birdsell, County Extension Director and Extension Agent for Ashe County Extension.

For further details on Oxalis, please refer to additional resources.