Pink Sorrel
Oxalis articulatafam. Fumariaceae
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Pl. A40A — Oxalis articulata
Oxalis articulataOxalis articulataOxalis articulataOxalis articulataOxalis articulataOxalis articulataOxalis articulataOxalis articulataOxalis articulataOxalis articulataOxalis articulataOxalis articulataOxalis articulataOxalis articulata
IOverview
Overview
Pink Sorrel (Oxalis articulata) is a perennial plant native to the grasslands and open woodlands of Argentina Northeast, Northwest, and South Brazil, as well as Uruguay. Known for its edible leaves and flowers, it thrives in moist, light soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7. This plant reaches a height of about 20 cm and is valued for its culinary uses. One distinctive feature is its ability to grow in a range of hardiness zones from 7 to 10, making it adaptable to various climates within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Pink Sorrel?
Pink Sorrel (Oxalis articulata) is a perennial plant native to the grasslands and open woodlands of Argentina Northeast, Northwest, and South Brazil, as well as Uruguay. Known for its edible leaves and flowers, it thrives in moist, light soil with a pH between 6.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pink Sorrel thrives in light to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soils that are light (sandy) or medium-textured. It is hardy in temperate regions with a USDA zone range of 7-10. Propagate via division or seed. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. The plant can grow up to 20 cm tall and is perennial, making it suitable for gardens where it can spread naturally. Harvest its edible leaves and flowers for culinary use. Adjust soil pH between 6.5 and 7 for optimal growth.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
7-10
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.2 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Pink Sorrel for the first time
8steps
Start with Pink Sorrel as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small packet of seeds or young plants, a container or garden bed, and basic gardening tools like a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Pink Sorrel in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure your soil is well-draining with a pH of 6.5–7. For containers, use a mix of light (sandy) and medium soil.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.2 m apart in the garden bed or transplant young plants into the prepared soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, providing light shade if necessary to prevent leaf scorch.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any dead leaves or stems to encourage new growth, but avoid cutting back flowering parts.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: The pink sorrel is eaten for its leaves and flowers. The leaves can be added raw to salads or used as a garnish. The flowers are often consumed fresh in salads too. Both parts can also be cooked briefly before serving. Skip the step of steeping them in tea, as they do not make a traditional tea.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 26 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 26 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 4 native· 26 introduced
Europe8 regions
introduced (8)AlbaniaBulgariaFranceGermanyGreeceIrelandItalyUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
introduced (3)GeorgiaIranJapan
Americas3 regions
native (1)Uruguay
introduced (2)BoliviaEcuador
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Argentina Northwest, Brazil South, Argentina Northeast
introduced:East Aegean Is., Florida, Kriti, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tasmania, Texas, Virginia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
5 related
See also
5 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fumariaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fumariaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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