Redwood Sorrel
Oxalis oreganafam. Fumariaceae
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Pl. 8DA9 — Oxalis oregana
Oxalis oreganaOxalis oreganaOxalis oreganaOxalis oreganaOxalis oreganaOxalis oreganaOxalis oreganaOxalis oreganaOxalis oreganaOxalis oreganaOxalis oreganaOxalis oreganaOxalis oreganaOxalis oregana
IOverview
Overview
Redwood Sorrel (Oxalis oregana) is a perennial herb found in the wild from British Columbia to California and into Oregon and Washington. This plant thrives in moist environments with varying light conditions, tolerating both full sun and partial shade. Known for its edible leaves and flowers, Redwood Sorrel is often used in salads or as a garnish due to its sour taste reminiscent of lemons. One distinctive feature is its clover-like leaf structure, which can be identified by the three heart-shaped leaflets. Another notable characteristic is its ability to grow up to 0.2 meters tall, making it an attractive addition to gardens and natural landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Redwood Sorrel?
Redwood Sorrel (Oxalis oregana) is a perennial herb found in the wild from British Columbia to California and into Oregon and Washington. This plant thrives in moist environments with varying light conditions, tolerating both full sun and partial shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Redwood Sorrel thrives in partial sun to full shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-9 and can be propagated through division or seed sowing. This perennial grows to about 0.2 meters tall and is native to British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington. The edible parts include the flowers and leaves, making it a useful addition to gardens and landscapes in temperate regions.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Redwood Sorrel for the first time
8steps
Start with Redwood Sorrel as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Redwood Sorrel seeds or young plants, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Redwood Sorrel in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure your soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and prepare containers at least 15 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 2-3 mm deep in the garden bed or transplant young plants, spacing them about 15 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to help seedlings establish.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base for moisture retention and weed control.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, and not providing enough shade are common issues beginners should avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: Redwood Sorrel is a perennial plant that can be eaten, with both its leaves and flowers being edible. The leaves are often used fresh in salads or as a garnish due to their tangy flavor. The flowers can also be added raw to salads for a decorative touch and a mild sorrel taste.
Other uses:Ground cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 4 native
Broader regions
native:British Columbia, California, Oregon, Washington
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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