Mountain Wood Sorrel
Oxalis montana
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Pl. 7535 — Oxalis montana
Oxalis montanaOxalis montanaOxalis montanaOxalis montanaOxalis montanaOxalis montanaOxalis montanaOxalis montanaOxalis montanaOxalis montanaOxalis montanaOxalis montanaOxalis montanaOxalis montana
IOverview
Overview
Mountain Wood Sorrel (Oxalis montana) is a perennial herb found in the northeastern and north-central United States, as well as parts of Canada. Native to regions including Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Labrador, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Newfoundland, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, this plant thrives in partial sun or shade with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Standing at a height of 0.1 meters, it is known for its edible leaves, which are often used fresh in salads for their tangy flavor. The distinctive feature of Mountain Wood Sorrel lies in its clover-like leaf structure, making it easily recognizable among other plants. This herb can be propagated through division and is hardy in temperate regions. Its ability to grow in diverse soil types makes it a versatile addition to gardens or natural settings where it can thrive. While not traditionally used for medicinal purposes, the leaves of Mountain Wood Sorrel are safe to consume when foraging, adding a unique taste to salads and other dishes.
Quick answers
What is Mountain Wood Sorrel?
Mountain Wood Sorrel (Oxalis montana) is a perennial herb found in the northeastern and north-central United States, as well as parts of Canada.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mountain Wood Sorrel thrives in partial sun to shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial plant grows up to 0.1 meters tall and can be propagated through division. It is hardy in temperate regions and native to areas including Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Labrador, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, among others. For best results, keep the soil consistently moist and provide a location with adequate light.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Mountain Wood Sorrel for the first time
8steps
Start with Mountain Wood Sorrel as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small plant or seeds, a container or garden bed, and basic gardening tools.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is cool.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and prepare your garden bed or container accordingly.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly into the prepared soil at a depth of about 1 cm.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist, and provide light shade to prevent scorching.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth, but avoid cutting back too much.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, and not providing enough shade are common issues.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Mountain Wood Sorrel are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often used fresh in salads for their tangy flavor.
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
27 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
27 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 27 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Connecticut, Kentucky, Labrador, Maine, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Newfoundland, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Québec, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Native to
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 7535cbb3-e305-42e2-a6ba-f0aaea9f1bfb
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