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Lilac Oxalis

Oxalis corymbosa
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Oxalis corymbosa (Lilac Oxalis) — botanical photograph
Pl. 2615 — Oxalis corymbosa
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I

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. This plant thrives in a variety of soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay), with a pH range of 7.5 to 8. It prefers dry to moist conditions and can grow up to 0.2 meters tall. The Lilac Oxalis is known for its edible flowers, leaves, and roots, which can be consumed raw or cooked. Typically, the plant's parts are prepared fresh for salads or cooked as a vegetable, and its roots can also be dried for later use. Its light, airy appearance makes it an attractive ornamental plant in gardens. While it is not medicinal, its adaptability and edible qualities make Lilac Oxalis a valuable addition to both landscapes and culinary uses. Its native range and ornamental value make it a versatile plant for gardeners and cooks alike. In cultivation, Lilac Oxalis thrives in well-draining soil, preferring a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) types. It requires a moderate amount of water, staying dry but not overly moist. The plant prefers partial to full sun, with a light requirement of 7/10. For best growth, maintain a soil pH between 7.5 and 8. Propagate through division or seed sowing. This perennial is hardy in temperate regions, making it suitable for gardens in similar climates. Harvest its edible flowers, leaves, and roots for culinary use.

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
V

Cultivation

Lilac Oxalis thrives in well-draining soil, preferring a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) types. It requires a moderate amount of water, staying dry but not overly moist. The plant prefers partial to full sun, with a light requirement of 7/10. For best growth, maintain a soil pH between 7.5 and 8. Propagate through division or seed sowing. This perennial is hardy in temperate regions, making it suitable for gardens in similar climates. Harvest its edible flowers, leaves, and roots for culinary use.
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. 1

    What you'll need

    A small pot or planting area, seeds or young plants.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring when the soil is warm and moist.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7.5–8. Ensure containers have drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds in the ground or start young plants indoors before transplanting.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for a week.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide partial shade and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly in spring.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead leaves to maintain plant health. Harvest flowers and leaves as needed for culinary use.

VI

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
VII

Distribution

16 native · 83 introduced
Distribution across5 continents· 16 native· 83 introduced
Europe6 regions
introduced (6)FranceGreecePortugalSpainSwitzerlandUnited Kingdom
Asia13 regions
introduced (13)BangladeshChinaGeorgiaIndiaIranJapanNepalPakistanPhilippinesSouth KoreaSri LankaTaiwanVietnam
Americas17 regions
native (10)ColombiaCosta RicaEl SalvadorGuatemalaGuyanaHondurasNicaraguaParaguayPeruVenezuela
introduced (7)BoliviaCubaDominican RepublicHaitiPuerto RicoUnited StatesUruguay
Africa10 regions
introduced (10)AlgeriaCabo VerdeCameroonComorosGhanaMauritiusMoroccoMozambiqueSeychellesTanzania
Oceania2 regions
introduced (2)FijiNew Caledonia
Broader regions
native:Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Panamá
introduced:Alabama, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Arkansas, Ascension, Bermuda, California, Cook Is., Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., East Himalaya, Easter Is., Florida, Galápagos, Gulf of Guinea Is., Hainan, Jawa, Kazan-retto, Kriti, Leeward Is., Lesser Sunda Is., Louisiana, Malaya, Mexico Northwest, Mississippi, Norfolk Is., Ogasawara-shoto, Oregon, Réunion, Rodrigues, Society Is., South Carolina, St.Helena, Sumatera, Texas, Trinidad-Tobago, Washington, West Himalaya, Windward Is., Zaïre
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Oxalis corymbosa (Lilac Oxalis) — botanical photograph
Lilac Oxalis (Oxalis corymbosa)
XI

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