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Herbaceous Perennial

Oxalis corniculata

creeping wood sorrel

A ground-hugging perennial with branched, creeping stems, small, clover-like leaves, varying from bright mid-green to dark red-purple. Small, yellow, five-petalled flowers are followed by upright, five-ribbed seed pods

Other common names
creeping yellow oxalis
nasturtium wood sorrel
see moreprocumbent yellow sorrel
procumbent yellow wood sorrel

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green Purple
Summer Yellow Purple Red
Autumn Red Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Oxalidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Oxalis can be annuals or perennials, with fibrous, bulbous or rhizomatous rootstocks, palmately divided leaves and funnel-shaped or bowl-shaped flowers that mostly close in dull weather and at night

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Seeds and spreads rapidly on paths, walls, waste and cultivated ground. May have the potential to become a nuisance in lawns, beds and borders, containers and greenhouses if not well managed

Propagation

Spreads mostly by seed, though stems also root at the nodes

Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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