Monday 18 June 2018

Wood-sorrel



Wood-sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) is a plant that is found in woodland, under hedges, and on higher ground in many parts of Great Britain.

It is a low-growing plant that reaches no more than 6 inches (15 centimetres) in height, with leaf tufts emerging directly from the rootstock. Each leaf has three leaflets that make it resemble a clover leaf in shape, and it has been thought that this plant could be the origin of the shamrock that is associated with the legend of St Patrick who used such a plant to illustrate the doctrine of the Trinity. The leaflets fold down at night.

Wood-sorrel flowers from May to August, the flowers being white with mauve veins.

Wood-sorrel actually produces two different types of flower. The first, which appears in spring, grows on long stalks and droops at night. This produces lots of nectar, and is therefore attractive to insects, but does not lead to the formation of many seeds. In summer, wood-sorrel produces a large number of flowers on short stems but these only open rarely. These flowers are self-pollinating and are the source of most of the seeds that enable the plant to propagate.

Wood-sorrel has been used as a salad plant and for making sauces. This is due to the sharp taste of the leaves that is due to the presence of calcium oxalate.

© John Welford

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