Common Wood Sorrel

Family: Oxalidaceae Leafy Green

Tart as a fresh-picked whisper, Common Wood Sorrel brings a bright, lemony tang to the garden greens—its delicate leaves unfurl with a crisp, juicy snap.

The foliage forms a low, spreading mat of tender, heart-shaped leaflets that stay pleasantly crisp at harvest. Ideal for stirring into spring salads, brightening herb blends, and lending its vivid acidity to sauces and quick pickles for a lively, refreshing finish.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 30 DaysHabit: Clumping

Botanical illustration of Common Wood Sorrel

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	May 25th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	30
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	65
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Common wood sorrel is basically edible sourness in leaf form—use it fresh and fast, because heat dulled it. Its lemony bite loves creamy dairy and gentle proteins, and it shines when you add it at the last moment for maximum crisp snap.

Best Uses

shower-fresh into spring salads right before eating to keep the snap
blend into herb vinaigrettes and loose sauces (use sparingly—its acidity is assertive)
quick pickles/brines for a fast, zingy garnish
fold through yogurt or crème fraîche for a tart, lively dip

Flavor Profile

lively lemony tang fresh, crisp juicy snap slightly herbaceous grassiness bright tart finish that lingers

Kitchen Pairings

olive oil lemon zest goat cheese eggs salmon honey

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage powdery mildew or leaf spot on common wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella)?

Common wood sorrel can develop powdery mildew and leaf spots in cool, humid, still air. Remove and discard affected leaves, improve airflow around plants, and avoid overhead watering; instead, water at the soil line. If it keeps spreading, treat early with a labeled horticultural fungicide and repeat according to the label while keeping foliage dry.

What watering and soil moisture does Oxalis acetosella need during the main growing phase?

During active growth, keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; aim for consistently damp soil that drains well. In part-sun conditions, water when the top 1 inch of soil starts to dry, then water thoroughly until excess drains. Avoid letting it sit in standing water, which quickly leads to crown/root rot in this species.

How can I tell when common wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants form a healthy rosette of tender leaves about 30 days from sowing (or when leaf size reaches your preferred “bite-size” stage). Take only young, bright-green leaves first to keep regrowth going, and avoid stripping the crown. Stop frequent harvesting if flowering becomes heavy, as the leaves turn less tender.