Wild Forage

Wood sorrel

Oxalis stricta / Oxalis violacea

Also called: sourgrass

Clover-looking plant with heart-shaped leaflets and a sour, lemony taste.

Wood sorrel: Whole plant — Whole plantPhoto: Lynn Harper · CC0 · source

Wood sorrel: Flower — FlowerPhoto: Juliane Collins · CC0 · source

Wood sorrel: Leaf — LeafPhoto: Siddharth Patil · CC0 · source

Confirm EVERY point before you eat it

Each leaf has three heart-shaped leaflets joined at the points, each folded along the center crease
Leaflets fold down at night or in dim light
Sour, lemony taste from a tiny nibble
Flowers (if present) have five petals: yellow or pink-violet

0 of 4 confirmed. If any point does not match, it is not this plant.

Look-alikes to rule out

CloverHarmless
Round-oval leaflets with a pale chevron marking that do not fold down at night, and no sour taste. Also edible, but clover carries a vitamin K (blood-thinner) caution instead of the oxalate one.

Warnings

Contains oxalic acid. Eat in moderation, and avoid large amounts if you are prone to kidney stones.

In season

Growing season through frost.

Habitat

Lawns, gardens, woodland edges, disturbed ground.

Parts used

leaves, flowers, seed pods

Preparation and use

Raw as a garnish or salad accent, in tea or a sour drink.

Harvest note

Avoid sprayed lawns.

Backpack Guide: Yellow Wood Sorrel — Positive ID →

Educational reference only. Never eat a wild plant or mushroom based on a website or app. Confirm with an experienced forager, your local extension office, or a mycological club. Poison Control (US): 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 for severe symptoms.