Oxalis oregana

Common Names

Redwood Sorrel, Oregon Oxalis

Summary

Redwood Sorrel, Oxalis oregana, is a Pacific Northwest native groundcover forming low carpets from creeping rhizomes, typically 6–20 cm tall. Leaves are basal with three heart-shaped leaflets on long stalks, and flowers range from white to pale pink; leaves display nyctinasty by folding in direct sun and reopening in shade. Native to moist forests of the region, including Douglas-fir and coast redwood habitats, it occurs from British Columbia to California and tolerates shade and moist soils.

It prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in shade or dappled light and spreads as a groundcover in woodland settings. It can spread vigorously, is deer resistant, and tolerates drought once established. Propagation is by seed or division; leaves and flowers have ornamental value, and leaves are edible in small quantities but contain oxalic acid.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-8 inches

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full shade; tolerates partial shade to full shade.

Soil Type

Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist and well-drained soil

Soil pH

5-6.5, Acidic to alkaline or neutral

Bloom Color

White to pink

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf, Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate, evergreen slower, deciduous more aggressive

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds