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Oxalis violacea (Violet Wood Sorrel)

Violet Wood Sorrel, Violet Woodsorrel, Violet Wood-sorrel, Ionoxalis violacea, Oxalis violacea var. trichophora, Sassia violacea

Oxalis violacea, Violet Wood Sorrel, Violet Woodsorrel, Violet Wood-sorrel, Ionoxalis violacea, Oxalis violacea var. trichophora, Sassia violacea

Native to North America, Oxalis violacea (Violet Wood Sorrel) is a bulbous perennial boasting lavender to pinkish-purple flowers adorned with greenish throats from mid-spring to early summer. The charming blossoms are borne in clusters of 4-19 flowers at the end of slender stems. They rise above the beautiful foliage of green clove-like leaves which is reddish-purple underneath. Violet Wood Sorrel often flowers again in the fall after the leaves have died. Like those of all wood sorrels, the leaves fold downward at night and in cloudy weather. Easy to cultivate and maintain, this plant creeps underground by runners from its bulbs. An important spring wildflower in prairie restorations or woodland gardens, it can also be naturalized in lawns.

  • Grows up to 6-10 in. tall and wide (15-25 cm). Will spread quickly by runners to form large colonies
  • Easily grown in average, mesic to dry, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
  • Good choice for rock gardens, border fronts, or naturalized plantings.
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • To be planted in fall.
  • Propagate by division of plants right as their leaves are going dormant or by seed.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Native to North America.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Oxalidaceae
Genus Oxalis
Common names Sorrel, Shamrock
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 6" - 10"
(15cm - 25cm)
Spread 6" - 10"
(15cm - 25cm)
Spacing 10" (25cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, Northeast, Kansas, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Arkansas, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, West Virginia, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado
Tolerance Dry Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Oxalis depressa (Wood Sorrel)
Oxalis vulcanicola ‘Molten Lava’
Oxalis griffithii (Wood Sorrel)
Oxalis hirta (Tropical Woodsorrel)
Oxalis purpurea ‘Ken Aslet’
Oxalis triangularis ‘Fanny’ (False Shamrock)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Oxalidaceae
Genus Oxalis
Common names Sorrel, Shamrock
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 6" - 10"
(15cm - 25cm)
Spread 6" - 10"
(15cm - 25cm)
Spacing 10" (25cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, Northeast, Kansas, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Arkansas, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, West Virginia, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado
Tolerance Dry Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Oxalis (Shamrock) to pick?
Compare Now

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