Does it need full sun?

No, it prefers deep shade or dappled light.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, it makes a lovely container plant if kept moist.

Plant guide

Wood sorrel.

Oxalis acetosella

Pronounced ok-SAL-iss ass-eh-toe-SELL-ah

Also known as Common wood sorrel, European wood-sorrel, Irish shamrock

European wood-sorrel — Photo by Анна (CC BY) via iNaturalist

This charming little plant is a woodland native that loves cool, shaded spots. It features delicate, clover like leaves that fold up at night. You will enjoy its dainty white flowers that bloom in the spring.

Another photo of Wood sorrel — Photo by Oleg Kosterin (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Indoor light: Medium light
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 6 inches
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 8
Bloom time: Mid to late spring

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged to mimic its natural forest floor environment. Watch for wilting leaves, which often signal that the soil has dried out too much. Provide plenty of humidity and avoid harsh, direct sun that might scorch its tender foliage.

Watering: Keep the soil damp to the touch but avoid letting it sit in standing water.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim away any yellowing or dead foliage to keep the plant looking tidy.
Repotting: Repot in the spring if the plant becomes crowded or the soil loses its structure.
Soil: Humus rich, well draining soil
Soil pH: Acidic
Temperature: -34 to 25°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Stunted growth during the active season

Safety

People: It is considered mildly toxic due to high levels of oxalic acid.
Pets: This plant contains soluble calcium oxalates which can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested in large quantities.
Children: Keep away from small children as the leaves look like clover and might be tempting to eat.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no notable respiratory allergens associated with this plant.
Edibility: This plant contains oxalic acid, which can be harmful in large quantities or for people with kidney issues.

How to identify it

Three heart shaped leaflets
Leaves fold at night
Delicate white veined flowers
Low growing creeping habit

Height: 0.05 to 0.15m
Spread: 0.15 to 0.3m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: white, pink, 1 to 2cm
Fruit: brown, Summer

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
RustCommon
Root RotUncommon
Slugs and SnailsUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: The plant dies back to its rhizomes in winter. Add a layer of leaf mulch to protect the soil from freezing too deeply.
In containers: It grows well in shallow pots, provided they are kept in a cool, shaded spot.

Division

1. Carefully dig up the clump in early spring.
2. Gently tease the rhizomes apart.
3. Replant immediately in moist, shaded soil.

Group this plant with other shade lovers that appreciate consistent moisture.

Grows well with

Ferns · They share similar requirements for shade and moisture.
Hosta · They provide a nice textural contrast in a woodland setting.

Similar species

Yellow Wood Sorrel · It is a related species with yellow flowers.

Science

Family: Oxalidaceae
Genus: Oxalis
Order: Oxalidales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Europe and parts of Asia.
Conservation: It is not currently of conservation concern.

It thrives in the cool, damp, shaded understory of deciduous forests.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: groundcover, woodland garden, rock garden

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 4/9
Light: 2/9
Temperature: 3/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: No, it prefers deep shade or dappled light.
Can I grow it in a pot?: Yes, it makes a lovely container plant if kept moist.

Where the name comes from

The name Oxalis comes from the Greek word for sour, referring to the acidic taste of the leaves.

Good to know

It is often called wood sorrel.
The leaves have a pleasant lemony taste.
It is a classic indicator of ancient woodland sites.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.