Rank Species | Genus Oxalis Higher classification Wood sorrels | |
 | ||
Similar Wood sorrels, Oxalidaceae, Pink woodsorrel, Oxalis pes‑caprae, Common Yellow Woodsorrel | ||
Oxalis corniculata
Oxalis corniculata, the creeping woodsorrel, also called procumbent yellow-sorrel or sleeping beauty, resembles the common yellow woodsorrel, Oxalis stricta. It is a somewhat delicate-appearing, low-growing, herbaceous plant in the family Oxalidaceae. It has a narrow, creeping stem that readily roots at the nodes. The trifoliate leaves are subdivided into three rounded leaflets and resemble a clover in shape. Some varieties have green leaves, while others, like Oxalis corniculata var. atropurpurea, have purple. The leaves have inconspicuous stipules at the base of each petiole.
Contents
The fruit is a narrow, cylindrical capsule, 1 to 2 cm long and noteworthy for its explosive discharge of the contained, 1 mm long seeds.
Oxalis corniculata 1080p
Distribution
This species is cosmopolitan in its distribution, and its place of origin is unknown, but it is considered an Old World plant. It is regarded as weed in gardens, agricultural fields, and lawns.
Uses
The leaves of wood sorrel are quite edible, with a tangy taste of lemons. A drink can be made by infusing the leaves in hot water for about 10 minutes, sweetening and then chilling. The entire plant is rich in vitamin C. Any wood sorrel is safe in low dosages, but if eaten in large quantities over a length of time can inhibit calcium absorption by the body.