Violet wood sorrel (Oxalis violacea)

Features and Characteristics

Oxalis violacea, commonly called violet wood sorrel, is a common Missouri native wildflower which occurs state-wide in dryish, acidic soils on glades, rocky open woods, fields and prairies. A bulbous, stemless perennial typically growing 4-8″ tall in which the long-stemmed leaves and longer, leafless flower stalks rise directly from the bulb. The familiar clover-like leaves have three inversely heart-shaped, often center-creased, green leaflets which are purplish beneath. Variably-colored, 5-petaled flowers (ranging from white to pink to lavender to violet) with greenish throats appear in spring. A repeat bloom will sometimes occur in the fall with the return of cooler weather. Although the leaves have a sour taste, they make a zesty and interesting addition to salads.

The genus name Oxalis comes from the Greek word oxys meaning “acid”, “sour” or “sharp”, in reference to the taste of the leaves.

Specific epithet means violet.