Gray-green wood sorrel

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Gray-green wood sorrel

Gray-green wood sorrel

Gray-green wood sorrel

Gray-green wood sorrel leaves

Gray-green wood sorrel

Morphology

Stem

Ascending or decumbent, tufted, branched at base, usually densely pubescent with simple hairs.

Leaves

Alternate, stalked, palmately 3-foliolate; leaflets heart-shaped, 1/5 to 3/5 inch long, nearly as wide, gray-green, pubescent; margins entire; folding together at night; stipules present.

Inflorescence

Umbels, 1-9-flowered, terminal, on stalks that extend above leaves.

Flower

1/2 to 3/4 inch wide; sepals 5, oblong, often overlapping; petals 5, yellow, sometimes orange at bases; stamens 10, of 2 lengths.

Fruit

Capsules, elongate, 1/2 to 1 inch long, gray-pubescent; seeds ovate to elliptic, prominently transversely ridged with white markings, orangish brown.

Ecology

Habitat

Open woods, prairie ravines, waste areas, gardens, lawns, and disturbed sites.

Distribution

East 4/5 of Kansas.

Practical Information

Uses

The leaves, flowers, and bulbs can be eaten fresh or cooked. However, the fresh leaves and stems contain oxalic acid and can cause poisoning if consumed in large quantities. Wood sorrel contains significant amounts of vitamin A.

Additional Notes