Alphabetical Plant Listing

Oxalis violacea (Violet Wood Sorrel)

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.

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Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Oxalis
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)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Oregon, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Wyoming, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Dry Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Michael2018, Shutterstock

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.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Oxalis
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)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Oregon, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Wyoming, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Dry Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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