It is extremely easy to grow, often becoming a persistent weed in gardens.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, it grows well in containers, which helps keep its invasive bulbils contained.

Plant guide

Bermuda buttercup.

Oxalis pes-caprae

Pronounced ok-SAL-iss pes-KAP-ree

Also known as African wood-sorrel, African woodsorrel, Bermuda Buttercup, Bermuda Sorrel, Bermuda-Buttercup, Cape Sorrel, Cape Woodsorrel, Dogpee

The Bermuda buttercup is a charming but aggressive bulbous plant that produces bright yellow flowers. It is often considered a weed in many regions due to its rapid spread. You will find it thrives in sunny spots during the cooler months.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: direct
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 30 to 40 cm
Growth rate: fast
Hardiness: USDA 8 to 10
Bloom time: Late winter to mid spring

Care

Provide plenty of sun and well draining soil to keep this plant happy. Watch for rapid spread as it can easily take over garden beds. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent bulb rot.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Remove dead foliage after the plant enters dormancy in late spring.
Repotting: Repot only when the bulbs become too crowded in the container.
Soil: Sandy, well draining soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
Temperature: 5 to 25°C
Humidity: 30 to 50%
Drought tolerance: moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years.
Deer and rabbits: moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
The plant becoming overcrowded with too many stems.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.

Safety

People: The plant is considered toxic due to its high concentration of soluble oxalates.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested due to soluble calcium oxalates.
Children: Keep this plant away from young children as the leaves are tempting to pick and potentially harmful if ingested in quantity.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no significant reports of airborne allergens associated with this plant.
Edibility: While some people eat the leaves, they contain high levels of oxalic acid which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities.

How to identify it

Bright yellow funnel shaped flowers
Three heart shaped clover like leaflets
Leaves often have dark purple spots
Grows from small underground bulbs

Height: 0.15 to 0.4m
Spread: 0.2 to 0.5m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: yellow, 2 to 3cm

Common problems

Rust — Fungal infections can cause orange spots on the foliage during damp weather.
Aphids — Small insects may cluster on the undersides of leaves and flower stalks.

Growing it

Propagation: division, bulblets
When to plant: autumn
Overwintering: In cold climates, move pots indoors or allow the foliage to die back naturally as the bulbs go dormant for the summer.
In containers: It grows very well in containers, which is recommended to prevent it from becoming an invasive pest in your garden.

Division of bulbils

1. Carefully dig up the plant during its dormant summer phase.
2. Separate the small bulbils from the main root system.
3. Replant the bulbils in well draining soil at a depth of 2 to 3 inches.

Plant this in containers to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably into your garden beds.

Grows well with

Blue Fescue — The contrasting texture of the grass complements the clover like leaves.
Lavender — Both plants enjoy similar sunny conditions and well draining soil.

Similar species

Wood Sorrel — It shares the characteristic three lobed leaves and sour taste.

Science

Family: Oxalidaceae
Genus: Oxalis
Order: Oxalidales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: South Africa.
Conservation: It is not of conservation concern and is actually considered a highly invasive weed in many parts of the world.

It thrives in disturbed soils and open areas, utilizing its bulbous root system to survive long dry summers.

Value to wildlife: early nectar source
Pollinators: bees
Uses: ornamental groundcover, botanical curiosity

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is it easy to grow?: It is extremely easy to grow, often becoming a persistent weed in gardens.
Can I grow it in a pot?: Yes, it grows well in containers, which helps keep its invasive bulbils contained.

Where the name comes from

The name Oxalis comes from the Greek word for sour, referring to the acidic taste of the leaves, while pes-caprae means goat's foot, describing the leaf shape.

Good to know

The flowers close up tightly during cloudy weather or at night.
It is often called Bermuda buttercup despite not being a true buttercup.
The plant spreads aggressively through tiny underground bulbils.
It is native to South Africa but has naturalized globally.

Is your bermuda buttercup looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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