Yellow Sorrel
Oxalis corniculata
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Pl. 9E4A — Oxalis corniculata
Oxalis corniculataOxalis corniculataOxalis corniculataOxalis corniculataOxalis corniculataOxalis corniculataOxalis corniculataOxalis corniculataOxalis corniculataOxalis corniculataOxalis corniculataOxalis corniculataOxalis corniculataOxalis corniculata
IOverview
Overview
Yellow Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata) is a perennial plant found in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and some parts of Mexico. Native to regions including the Bahamas, Cuba, and Costa Rica, it thrives in various habitats such as gardens and disturbed areas due to its hardiness across USDA zones 4-8. Known for its edible leaves and flowers, this plant is often used in culinary applications. Yellow Sorrel prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7, making it adaptable to different soil conditions. One distinctive feature of the plant is its creeping habit, allowing it to spread widely across suitable environments.
Quick answers
What is Yellow Sorrel?
Yellow Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata) is a perennial plant found in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and some parts of Mexico. Native to regions including the Bahamas, Cuba, and Costa Rica, it thrives in various habitats such as gardens and disturbed areas due to its hardiness across USDA zones 4-8.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Yellow Sorrel thrives in light to medium soil with a pH of 6.5–7 and prefers areas that are either dry or moist. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-8, making it suitable for various climates. This plant requires plenty of sunlight but can tolerate some shade. For optimal growth, maintain consistent watering; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Propagate Yellow Sorrel through seeds or division of its rhizomes. Harvest the edible parts—leaves and flowers—for culinary use.
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.1 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Yellow Sorrel for the first time
8steps
Start with Yellow Sorrel as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Yellow Sorrel seeds or young plants, potting soil, containers or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Yellow Sorrel in spring when the last frost has passed and temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7, ensuring containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.1 m apart in the garden or plant young seedlings at this spacing.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and provide partial shade if needed.
- 6
Ongoing care
Maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly with compost every few months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any leggy growth to encourage bushier plants and remove dead leaves as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune for shape.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: Gum
Other uses:DyeGum
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
26 native · 4 introduced
Distribution
26 native · 4 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 26 native· 4 introduced
Americas14 regions
native (14)BahamasColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEl SalvadorGuatemalaHaitiHondurasJamaicaNicaraguaPeruPuerto RicoVenezuela
Africa2 regions
introduced (2)BeninBotswana
Broader regions
native:Mexico Gulf, Mexico Southwest, Windward Is., Cayman Is., Mexico Southeast, Netherlands Antilles, Panamá, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Leeward Is., Mexico Central, Trinidad-Tobago
introduced:Borneo, Bermuda
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 9e4a9d8e-4cf0-4865-bdc4-a6c31e866890
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