Wood sorrel
Oxalis acetosella
Wood sorrel is a perennial for groundcover, suited to full sun to partial shade and loam or acid soil, flowering Apr, May.
| Type | Perennial |
|---|---|
| Mature height | 10 cm |
| Spread | 30 cm |
| Aspect | full sun to partial shade |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Hardiness | USDA 5a-8b, RHS H5 |
| Pollinator-friendly | Yes |
| Pet-safe | No |
Where to use it in a border
At around 10 cm, it sits best along the front edge, where a low, spreading habit reads best. Give it about 30 cm of room to spread, roughly 3 to the metre when planted in a drift. It is hardy across USDA zones 5a to 8b and rated H5 by the RHS, so check it suits your area before planting.
It appears in our lists of shade, acid soil, pollinator-friendly plants.
Border Builder uses Wood sorrel's height, spread, soil, bloom months and companions to place it in a full border plan for your own conditions, on iPhone and iPad.
Flowering through the year
Worth knowing
- It tolerates acid soil but dislikes shallow chalk.
- It tolerates a shaded, north-facing spot.
- Not recorded as pet-safe; site it away from pets that graze if that matters to you.
- Its flowers are valued by bees and other pollinators.
Good companions
Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:
- Allegheny Spurgeto edge in front
- Alumroot 'Palace Purple'to edge in front
- American Witch Hazelfor height behind it
- Anise/Blue Sagefor height behind it
- Atamasco Rain Lilyto edge in front
- Barren Strawberryto edge in front