Supriya Ghosh (Editor)

Oxalis stricta

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Kingdom
  
Plantae

Family
  
Oxalidaceae

Scientific name
  
Oxalis stricta

Rank
  
Species

Order
  
Oxalidales

Genus
  
Oxalis

Higher classification
  
Wood sorrels

Oxalis stricta httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommons99

Similar
  
Black Medic, Rumex acetosella, Sorrel, Pineappleweed, Lesser burdock

Plant portrait yellow wood sorrel oxalis stricta


Oxalis stricta, called the common yellow woodsorrel (or simply yellow woodsorrel), common yellow oxalis, upright yellow-sorrel, lemon clover, or more ambiguously and informally "sourgrass" or "pickle plant", is an herbaceous plant native to North America, parts of Eurasia (including Southern India), and has a rare introduction in Britain. It tends to grow in woodlands, meadows, and in disturbed areas as both a perennial and annual. Erect when young, this plant later becomes decumbent as it lies down, and branches regularly. It is not to be confused with similar plants which are also often referred to as "yellow woodsorrel".

Contents

Oxalis stricta Oxalis stricta Common yellow oxalis NPIN

Oxalis stricta yellow woodsorrel pt 1 of 2


Growth

Oxalis stricta Oxalis stricta Yellow Wood Sorrel Minnesota Wildflowers

Commonly considered a weed of gardens, fields, and lawns, it grows in full sun or shade. The alternate leaves of this plant are divided into three heart-shaped leaflets (a typical trait of other species of Oxalis) that can grow up to 2 cm wide. These leaves curl up at night (exhibiting nyctinasty), and open in the day to perform photosynthesis. The mature seed capsules open explosively when disturbed (a very similar trait to that of the mature seed capsules or fruits of plants found in the genus Impatiens) and can disperse seeds up to 4 meters (about 13 feet) away. The flowers of the plant are hermaphroditic, blooming from July to October.

Oxalis stricta Oxalis stricta Upright Yellowsorrel Discover Life

O. stricta generally requires dry or moist, alkaline soils, preferring sandy and loamy dirt to grow in. It requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor grounds. It does not do well in shade.

Culinary uses

Oxalis stricta Oxalis stricta Upright Yellowsorrel Discover Life

All parts of the plant are edible, with a distinct tangy flavor (common to all plants in the genus Oxalis). However, it should only be eaten in small quantities, since oxalic acid can bind up the body's supply of calcium.

The leaves and flowers of the plant are sometimes added to salads for decoration and flavoring. These can also be chewed raw (along with other parts of the plant, but not the root) as a thirst-quencher. The green pods are pleasant raw, having a juicy crisp texture and a tartness similar to rhubarb in flavor.

The leaves can be used to make a flavored drink that is similar in taste to lemonade, and the whole plant can be brewed as herbal tea that has an aroma somewhat like that of cooked green beans.

The juices of the plant have been extracted from its greens as a substitute to common vinegar.

Oxalis stricta contains large amounts of vitamin C.

Practical uses

An orange dye can be obtained by boiling the whole plant.

Medicinal uses

A poultice of the plant has been used to treat dry mouth and swellings.

References

Oxalis stricta Wikipedia