Lilac Oxalis
Oxalis corymbosa
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Pl. 2615 — Oxalis corymbosa
Oxalis corymbosaOxalis corymbosaOxalis corymbosaOxalis corymbosaOxalis corymbosaOxalis corymbosaOxalis corymbosaOxalis corymbosaOxalis corymbosaOxalis corymbosaOxalis corymbosaOxalis corymbosaOxalis corymbosaOxalis corymbosa
IOverview
Overview
Lilac Oxalis (Oxalis corymbosa) is a perennial herb native to several regions of Central and South America including Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela. Known for its edible flowers, leaves, and roots, this plant thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH range of 7.5 to 8. It prefers dry to moist conditions and can be found growing up to 0.2 meters tall. One distinctive feature is its light, airy appearance, making it an attractive ornamental plant in gardens. Its adaptability and edible qualities make Lilac Oxalis a valuable addition to both landscapes and culinary uses.
Quick answers
What is Lilac Oxalis?
Lilac Oxalis (Oxalis corymbosa) is a perennial herb native to several regions of Central and South America including Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lilac Oxalis thrives in well-drained to moist soils with a pH of 7.5–8 and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) textures. It requires moderate to dry conditions and is hardy in temperate regions. This perennial plant grows up to 0.2 meters tall and can be propagated by division. For best results, ensure it receives adequate sunlight while maintaining consistent moisture levels. Harvest edible parts including flowers, leaves, and roots as needed.
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-10
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Lilac Oxalis for the first time
7steps
Start with Lilac Oxalis as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot or planting area, seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is warm and moist.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7.5–8. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start young plants indoors before transplanting.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for a week.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial shade and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly in spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain plant health. Harvest flowers and leaves as needed for culinary use.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRoot
Edible uses: The Lilac Oxalis is eaten in its native range and can be consumed raw or cooked. Its leaves, flowers, and roots are all edible. Typically, the plant's parts are prepared fresh for salads or cooked as a vegetable. Roots can also be dried for later use.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
16 native · 14 introduced
Distribution
16 native · 14 introducedDistribution across5 continents· 16 native· 14 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Portugal
Asia1 region
introduced (1)Bangladesh
Americas11 regions
native (10)ColombiaCosta RicaEl SalvadorGuatemalaGuyanaHondurasNicaraguaParaguayPeruVenezuela
introduced (1)Dominican Republic
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Ghana
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)Fiji
Broader regions
native:Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Panamá, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Brazil North
introduced:California, Florida, Bermuda, East Aegean Is., Argentina Northeast, East Himalaya, Easter Is., Galápagos, Cook Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 261586a1-96bf-4444-9cd9-3b2dd2314978
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