Lilac Oxalis, Pink woodsorrel
Oxalis corymbosa

Family: Oxalidaceae

What it is like

Oxalis corymbosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

A weed of disturbed ground and gardens in Britain, especially near London.

S. America. Naturalized in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves and leafstalks - raw or cooked. Use in moderation, see notes at top of sheet. Flowers - raw. A pleasant acid flavour, they make an ornamental addition to a mixed salad. Root - raw. Sweet, crisp and succulent.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Easily grown in a sandy soil in a warm dry position. Plants are not very hardy in Britain according to one report which lists this plant as succeeding in climatic zone 9 and thus only tolerating occasional light frosts. However, it is naturalized in parts of Britain, especially near London. It is growing well in our Cornwall site, where it has proved to be hardy since 1994.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

The leaves contain oxalic acid, which gives them their sharp flavour. Perfectly all right in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since oxalic acid can bind up the body's supply of calcium leading to nutritional deficiency. The quantity of oxalic acid will be reduced if the leaves are cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

O. martiana.