Oxalis corniculata L.

Creeping Lady's Sorrel; Creeping Wood Sorrel; Creeping Yellow Wood Sorrel

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Creeping Wood Sorrel is an introduced perennial member of the Wood-Sorrel family (Oxalidaceae). The native distribution of this species is unknown, but it is believed to be somewhere in the Old World. It is now a common weed found in human disturbed habitats world-wide. It Alabama, it can be found throughout the state. Creeping Wood Sorrel is common in human disturbed and maintained habitats such as fields, lawns, cemeteries, roadsides, in cracks in sidewalks and parking areas, and in greenhouses. Creeping Wood Sorrel is a mat forming perennial from a decumbent stem that roots at the nodes. Only rarely are any up-right stems produced. The stems are pubescent with appressed hairs. The leaves are alternate, petiolate, trifoliate, and pubescent. The leaflets are obcordate, and vary from green to reddish purple in color. Plants growing in shade tend to be green and those in bright light tend to have some red coloration. Flowers are produced in umbels of 1-5 flowers. The petals are bright yellow with (often) orange spots at their base. The fruit is a five-sided cylindrical capsule that is pubescent. The seed are reddish brown and transversely wrinkled. When mature the capsules explosively discharge the seed when touched. Creeping Wood Sorrel is very difficult to eliminate once established. It is often a weed in potted nursery material and may be accidently introduced by purchasing these plants.--A. Diamond

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Not Native FACU (NWPL)

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