Grassleaf sorrel
Rumex graminifoliusfam. Polygonaceae
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Pl. E1C3 — Rumex graminifolius
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IOverview
Overview
Grassleaf sorrel (Rumex graminifolius) is a perennial herb belonging to the Polygonaceae family and can be found in various regions including Alaska, Aleutian Islands, Amur, Buryatiya, Chita, Finland, Greenland, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, North European Russia, Northwest European Russia, Norway, West Siberia, and Yakutsk. This plant thrives in moist environments with a preference for light to partial sun and can tolerate a range of soil types from sandy to clay. Known both for its edible leaves and documented medicinal uses, it is recognized for its distinctive, grass-like foliage that sets it apart from other sorrels.
Quick answers
What is Grassleaf sorrel?
Grassleaf sorrel (Rumex graminifolius) is a perennial herb belonging to the Polygonaceae family and can be found in various regions including Alaska, Aleutian Islands, Amur, Buryatiya, Chita, Finland, Greenland, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, North European Russia, Northwest European Russia, Norway, West Siberia, and Yakutsk.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Harmony
digestiontincture
Traditional use for digestive support.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Grassleaf sorrel thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is a perennial forb/herb that grows up to 0.1 meters tall. This plant is hardy in temperate regions and can be propagated through seeds or division. The edible parts are the leaves, which can be harvested for use in salads or cooking.
Light
Full sun, 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 Grassleaf sorrel for the first time
8steps
Start with Grassleaf sorrel as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small packet of Grassleaf sorrel seeds or young plants, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring after the last frost or in late summer for fall harvests.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5; prepare containers at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep, spacing them about 30 cm apart; for transplants, space plants 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly with compost once a month.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any dead leaves in late winter to encourage new growth; harvest young leaves as needed throughout the growing season.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, and neglecting to mulch.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of the grassleaf sorrel are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They add a tangy flavor to salads and other dishes. Skip processing them into dried forms or teas as this is not typically done with this plant.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
14 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
14 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 14 native
Europe3 regions
native (3)FinlandNorwayRussia
Americas2 regions
native (2)GreenlandUnited States
Broader regions
native:Amur, Buryatiya, Chita, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, Yakutskiya, Aleutian Is.
XSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Polygonaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Polygonaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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