Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Oxalidaceae (Wood Sorrel)
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, grassland, meadows, roadsides, rocky places, seaside, towns, wasteland, woodland.
Pink Sorrel (Oxalis articulata) produces delicate and attractive flowers that add to its charm. The flowers are typically pink to light purple in color, with five petals arranged in a star-like formation. Each flower is relatively small, typically around 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter, but they appear in clusters that create a visually striking display against the plant's trifoliate (three-lobed) leaves. The petals are smooth and slightly translucent, giving them a delicate appearance. The flowers open wide during the day to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, closing up at night or during cloudy weather. This behavior not only protects the reproductive organs but also enhances the plant's ability to conserve moisture and nutrients. Overall, the flowers of Pink Sorrel contribute to its ornamental value and ecological role as a pollinator attractant in various habitats.
Fruit:
The fruit of Pink Sorrel is a capsule that develops after the flower has been fertilized. The capsules are small, cylindrical to ovoid in shape, and contain numerous tiny seeds. Initially green, the capsules mature and turn brown as the seeds inside ripen. Each capsule typically splits open when mature, dispersing the seeds into the surrounding environment. This method of seed dispersal allows Pink Sorrel to spread and colonize new areas efficiently. The seeds are small and light, facilitating their dispersal by wind or by adhering to animals' fur or feathers. The lifecycle from flower to fruit to seed dispersal ensures the plant's reproductive success and ability to establish new populations in a variety of habitats where conditions are suitable.
Leaves:
The leaves of Pink Sorrel are strikingly trifoliate, composed of three heart-shaped leaflets that radiate outward from a central point on delicate, slender stems. Each leaflet is smooth and glossy, typically measuring between 1 to 2 centimeters in length and width. The leaflets have a light green coloration that contrasts beautifully with the plant's delicate pink to light purple flowers. One distinctive characteristic of Pink Sorrel's leaves is their ability to exhibit nyctinasty, a phenomenon where the leaflets fold downward or close entirely during the night or in adverse weather conditions. This behavior helps protect the leaves from excessive moisture loss and potential damage, while also serving to conserve nutrients within the leaf tissue. Overall, the trifoliate leaves of Pink Sorrel contribute not only to its aesthetic appeal but also to its functional adaptations in various habitats where it thrives.
Aroma:
Pink Sorrel typically does not have a distinct aroma. Unlike some flowers or herbs that are prized for their fragrance, Pink Sorrel is appreciated more for its visual appeal and edible qualities rather than its scent. When encountering Pink Sorrel in the wild or in a garden setting, you're likely to notice its delicate pink to light purple flowers and the refreshing tanginess of its edible leaves rather than any discernible aroma. This lack of strong scent is common among many members of the Oxalis genus, which tend to focus more on visual and gustatory characteristics rather than olfactory ones.
Other Names:
Pink Oxalis, Pink Oxalis Sourgrass, Pink Wood-sorrel, Sourgrass, Windowbox Wood-sorrel.
Summary
Oxalis articulata, also known as "pink-sorrel" or "pink woodsorrel", is a perennial herb that is native to South Africa. It is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types and can tolerate shade and dry conditions. The plant has small, pink, five-petaled flowers and clover-like leaves. It is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, and it is also used as a ground cover plant. The plant also have some medicinal uses as a diuretic and a laxative.
Blog
Pink sorrel, also known as Oxalis articulata, is a beautiful plant species with delicate pink flowers that add a vibrant touch to any garden or landscape. It belongs to the Oxalidaceae family and is native to South America, but is now found in many parts of the world due to its ornamental value.
Appearance and Characteristics
Pink sorrel is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 30 cm tall. It has distinctive clover-like leaves, with three heart-shaped leaflets that are connected to the stem by a joint. This feature gives the plant its species name "articulata," which means jointed. The leaves are usually green, but can sometimes have a purplish tinge.
The pink flowers of the plant grow on long, slender stems and have five petals that are arranged in a star shape. They bloom from late spring to early fall and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden.
Growing Conditions
Pink sorrel is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, and it can grow in full sun or partial shade. The plant is also drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for dry or arid climates.
Propagation
Pink sorrel can be propagated by division or from seed. To propagate by division, simply dig up the plant and separate the clumps into smaller pieces, making sure that each piece has some roots attached. Plant the divisions in well-draining soil and water regularly until they become established.
To propagate from seed, plant the seeds in well-draining soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water the soil lightly and keep it moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 1-2 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of about 5-10 cm, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Uses
Pink sorrel is primarily grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and foliage. It is often used in rock gardens, borders, or as a ground cover. In some cultures, the plant is also used for medicinal purposes. For example, in traditional Chinese medicine, the plant is used to treat digestive disorders and fever.
Pink sorrel is a beautiful and hardy plant that is easy to grow and care for. Whether you want to add some color to your garden or take advantage of its medicinal properties, this plant is a great choice for any gardener.
Benefits of Pink Sorrel
Besides its ornamental value and medicinal properties, Pink Sorrel has some other benefits that make it a useful plant to have in your garden.
-
Attracts pollinators: The pink flowers of Pink Sorrel attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden. This helps to improve the health and diversity of your garden ecosystem.
-
Edible plant: Pink Sorrel is an edible plant that has a tart, lemony taste. The leaves and flowers can be added to salads, soups, and other dishes for added flavor and nutrition.
-
Ground cover: Pink Sorrel makes an excellent ground cover due to its ability to spread quickly and cover large areas. It helps to prevent soil erosion, suppress weeds, and keep the soil moist.
-
Low maintenance: Pink Sorrel is a low maintenance plant that requires little care once established. It is drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and can grow in a variety of soils.
-
Easy to propagate: As mentioned earlier, Pink Sorrel is easy to propagate from division or seed. This makes it a cost-effective way to add more plants to your garden or share with friends and family.
In summary, Pink Sorrel is a versatile plant that has a lot to offer to gardeners. It is beautiful, easy to grow, and has many benefits that make it a valuable addition to any garden or landscape. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, Pink Sorrel is a great plant to consider for your next gardening project.
Potential Risks of Pink Sorrel
While Pink Sorrel has many benefits, it's important to note that it also has some potential risks. Here are a few things to be aware of:
-
Invasive potential: Pink Sorrel can be an invasive species in some areas. It spreads quickly and can take over other plants in the garden. If you live in an area where Pink Sorrel is invasive, it's important to keep it contained and prevent it from spreading to other parts of your garden or neighboring areas.
-
Oxalic acid content: Pink Sorrel contains oxalic acid, which can be toxic in high doses. While the small amounts found in the leaves and flowers are not harmful to most people, it's important to be cautious if you have a history of kidney stones or other health issues related to oxalates.
-
Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to Pink Sorrel, especially if they have allergies to other plants in the Oxalis family. Symptoms may include skin irritation, hives, or difficulty breathing.
-
Cultural or religious beliefs: In some cultures or religions, Pink Sorrel is considered a weed or an undesirable plant. If you are considering planting Pink Sorrel, it's important to be aware of any cultural or religious beliefs that may affect its use or acceptance in your community.
To minimize the risks associated with Pink Sorrel, it's important to practice responsible gardening and be aware of any potential issues that may arise. If you have concerns or questions about Pink Sorrel, it's always a good idea to consult with a gardening expert or your healthcare provider.
How to Care for Pink Sorrel
Pink Sorrel is a relatively low maintenance plant, but it still requires some care to ensure that it grows and blooms to its full potential. Here are a few tips for caring for Pink Sorrel:
-
Soil: Pink Sorrel prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-based, you can amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve its drainage and fertility.
-
Sunlight: Pink Sorrel can grow in full sun or partial shade, but it tends to bloom more profusely in full sun. If you live in a hot or arid climate, you may want to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent the plant from drying out.
-
Watering: Pink Sorrel is drought-tolerant, but it still requires regular watering to keep it healthy and blooming. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry weather. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot or other issues.
-
Fertilizer: Pink Sorrel doesn't require a lot of fertilizer, but you can give it a boost by applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once or twice a year. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
-
Pruning: Pink Sorrel doesn't require much pruning, but you can trim back any dead or damaged foliage to keep the plant looking neat and tidy. You can also pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
-
Pests and diseases: Pink Sorrel is relatively pest-resistant, but it can be susceptible to some diseases such as powdery mildew or rust. Keep an eye out for any signs of disease or insect damage and treat as necessary with an appropriate fungicide or insecticide.
In summary, Pink Sorrel is a beautiful and low maintenance plant that can add color and vibrancy to any garden or landscape. With a little bit of care and attention, you can enjoy its blooms and benefits for many years to come.
List of Pink Sorrel Facts
Here's a list of facts about Pink Sorrel (Oxalis articulata):
-
Botanical Name: Oxalis articulata, commonly known as Pink Sorrel or Pink Wood Sorrel.
-
Appearance: It is a perennial herbaceous plant characterized by clover-like leaves and delicate pink flowers.
-
Native Habitat: Pink Sorrel is native to South America, particularly Argentina and Uruguay, but has spread to other parts of the world.
-
Invasive Species: In some regions, Pink Sorrel is considered invasive due to its ability to spread rapidly and outcompete native vegetation.
-
Edible Uses: The leaves of Pink Sorrel are edible and have a tangy flavor due to oxalic acid content, though they should be consumed in moderation.
-
Cultural Uses: In South American cuisine, Pink Sorrel leaves are sometimes used in salads or as a garnish for dishes.
-
Medicinal Properties: Traditionally, Pink Sorrel has been used in folk medicine for its purported diuretic and digestive properties.
-
Flowering Season: Typically blooms from spring to early summer, producing pink to light purple flowers that close during the night or in cloudy weather.
-
Reproductive Strategy: It reproduces both by seeds and by underground bulbs (tubers), aiding in its spread and persistence.
-
Growth Habit: It grows low to the ground, forming dense patches in favorable conditions.
-
Adaptability: Pink Sorrel thrives in various habitats, including grasslands, open woodlands, and disturbed areas.
-
Leaf Characteristics: The leaves are trifoliate (divided into three leaflets) and fold downward at night or during unfavorable weather conditions.
-
Common Names: Besides Pink Sorrel, it is also known by other names such as Pink Oxalis, Windowbox Woodsorrel, and Articulated Woodsorrel.
-
Ecological Impact: Due to its ability to form dense mats, Pink Sorrel can alter soil conditions and impact native plant communities.
-
Propagation: It spreads readily through both seeds and the fragmentation of its underground tubers.
-
Gardening: Some gardeners use Pink Sorrel as a ground cover due to its attractive foliage and flowers, though its invasive nature should be managed carefully.
-
Taxonomy: Belongs to the Oxalidaceae family, which includes other Oxalis species known for their clover-like leaves and colorful flowers.
-
Environmental Conditions: Prefers sunny to partially shaded locations with moist, well-drained soil.
-
Wildlife Interaction: Pollinators such as bees are attracted to its flowers, contributing to local biodiversity.
- Control Measures: Invasive populations of Pink Sorrel may require control measures such as manual removal, mulching, or herbicide application to manage its spread.
Video
Pink Sorrel filmed at Mousehole in Cornwall on the 9th June 2024.
Music credits
Go Not Gently by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Artist: http://audionautix.com/
Please remember to Like and Subscribe to the WildFlowerWeb YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@wildflower-web
Wild Flower Web