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Pink-purple Sorrel

Oxalis debilis

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Oxalidales
Family:
Oxalidaceae (Wood Sorrel)
Also in this family:
Bermuda Buttercup, Least Yellow Sorrel, Lilac Sorrel, Pale Pink Sorrel, Pink Sorrel, Spreading Yellow Sorrel, Upright Yellow Sorrel, Wood Sorrel
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
20 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, lawns, meadows, roadsides, wasteland.

Flower:
֍
Pink, 5 petals
 
Pinkish-purple, stalked flowers. Flower stalks are up to 1 inch (2.5cm) long. Petals are not notched. Flowers measure up to 2cm across.
Fruit:
The fruit is a capsule (rarely seen). Upon dispersal of its seeds, the seeds can be projected through the air far away from the plant.
Leaves:
The leaves are clover-like and are spotted dark or orange beneath, in particular around the edges. Perennial. Garden weed.
Other Names:
Large-flowered Pink Sorrel, Pink Woodsorrel, Weedy Woodsorrel, Yellow Oxalis.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Similar Species

Lilac Sorrel

Pale Pink Sorrel

Pink Sorrel
Pink Sorrel

Other Information

Summary

Oxalis debilis, also known as "weedy woodsorrel" or "yellow oxalis," is a perennial herb that is native to North and South America. It is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types and can tolerate shade and dry conditions. The plant has small yellow flowers and clover-like leaves, and it is often found growing in lawns, gardens, meadows and along roadsides. It is considered as a weed in some regions, and it can be difficult to control as it reproduces both by seed and underground rhizomes. It is edible and has a tangy, lemony flavor and can be used to make a tea or added to salads and other dishes. However, it is also high in oxalic acid, which can be harmful in large quantities, so it's best to consume it in moderation.

Blog

Pink-purple sorrel, also known as Oxalis debilis, is a beautiful and delicate flowering plant that belongs to the Oxalidaceae family. This plant is native to South America and is commonly found in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Pink-purple sorrel is an annual or perennial herb that grows up to 20 centimeters in height and has a sprawling, vine-like growth habit. It produces small, pink or purple flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.

Pink-purple sorrel is a popular ornamental plant that is often grown in gardens, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Its attractive foliage and colorful flowers make it a great choice for adding some vibrancy to any space. It is also easy to care for, making it an ideal plant for beginners.

Caring for Pink-Purple Sorrel

Pink-purple sorrel is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for growing and caring for this plant:

  1. Light: Pink-purple sorrel thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can cause the leaves to burn.

  2. Water: Pink-purple sorrel likes to be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry, and be sure to water it deeply enough so that the water reaches the roots.

  3. Soil: Pink-purple sorrel prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mix that is made up of equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss is ideal.

  4. Fertilizer: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

  5. Pruning: Pink-purple sorrel benefits from occasional pruning to keep it from becoming too leggy. Pinch off the tips of the stems to encourage branching and bushier growth.

Benefits of Pink-Purple Sorrel

Pink-purple sorrel is not only a beautiful addition to any garden or indoor space, but it also has a number of health benefits. The leaves of this plant are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. The plant is also a good source of antioxidants, which help to protect the body against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

In traditional medicine, Pink-purple sorrel has been used to treat a range of health conditions, including digestive issues, skin infections, and inflammation. The plant has also been used as a natural remedy for headaches and menstrual cramps.

In conclusion, Pink-purple sorrel is a lovely and easy-to-care-for plant that is sure to add a pop of color to any space. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, this plant is a great choice for brightening up your home or garden. With its health benefits and low maintenance requirements, it's no wonder that Pink-purple sorrel is such a popular choice among plant enthusiasts.

More Information

Pink-purple sorrel is a plant that has a number of interesting characteristics that make it stand out. Here are some more interesting facts about this plant:

  1. Pink-purple sorrel has small, heart-shaped leaves that are typically light green in color. The leaves are often marked with a darker shade of green, giving them a mottled appearance.

  2. The flowers of Pink-purple sorrel are typically pink or purple in color, although some varieties may have white or yellow flowers. The flowers bloom in clusters and are about 1-2 cm in diameter.

  3. Pink-purple sorrel is often used as a ground cover in gardens, as it has a sprawling growth habit and can quickly cover large areas.

  4. The plant is also sometimes used as a food crop. The leaves and flowers are edible and have a tart, lemony flavor. They can be used in salads, soups, stews, and other dishes.

  5. Pink-purple sorrel has a number of common names, including Pink Oxalis, Shamrock Oxalis, and Wood Sorrel.

  6. The plant is easy to propagate from cuttings or by dividing the root ball. It can also self-seed in favorable growing conditions.

  7. Pink-purple sorrel is a good plant for attracting pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to your garden.

In conclusion, Pink-purple sorrel is a versatile and attractive plant that has a number of interesting features. Whether you are looking for a low-maintenance garden plant or an edible herb, Pink-purple sorrel is sure to please. With its vibrant color, delicate flowers, and unique flavor, it is a plant that is well worth considering for your garden or indoor space.

Here are some more interesting facts about Pink-purple sorrel:

  1. Pink-purple sorrel is a great plant for biodiversity. It is a host plant for a number of butterfly species, including the Pink-spotted Cattleheart and the Large Orange Sulphur.

  2. The leaves of Pink-purple sorrel contain oxalic acid, which is why the plant has a tart, lemony taste. However, in large quantities, oxalic acid can be toxic. It is recommended to consume this plant in moderation.

  3. Pink-purple sorrel is often used as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, as it does well in dry, rocky soil.

  4. The plant is sometimes used as a natural dye. The flowers can be boiled to create a pink or purple dye that can be used to color fabric.

  5. Pink-purple sorrel has a number of medicinal uses in traditional medicine. It has been used to treat a range of ailments, including fever, inflammation, and respiratory infections.

  6. The plant is often used in landscaping to add color and texture to mixed borders or containers.

  7. Pink-purple sorrel is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and growing conditions. It is a great plant for beginners or those who are looking for a low-maintenance garden plant.

In conclusion, Pink-purple sorrel is a versatile and interesting plant that has a number of uses and benefits. Whether you are looking to attract pollinators to your garden, add color to your landscaping, or use the leaves as an edible herb, Pink-purple sorrel is a great choice. With its hardy nature and low maintenance requirements, it is a plant that can be enjoyed by gardeners of all levels of experience.

Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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