Rumex acetosella
sheep's sorrel
A fast-growing, spreading perennial with ovate green leaves, arrow-shaped at the base, on rosettes of basal leaf stalks and on stems. Leaves are edible, bitter tasting but should not be eaten in large quantity. Produces spikes of red to yellowish flowers to 40cm high
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten in large amounts. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten in large amounts - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Rumex can be annuals, biennials or perennials with mostly basal, simple leaves and erect panicles or racemes of small greenish or reddish flowers followed by reddish-brown, triangular fruits
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in full sun in any soil, in mild areas may grow all year round. Self-seeds freely and also spreads from the roots so can be difficult to control or eradicate. See the advice page on controlling sheep's sorrel for more details
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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