Is sheep sorrel a weed?

Yes, it is widely considered a persistent weed due to its rapid spread via rhizomes.

Yes, it is edible in small amounts, but the high oxalic acid content makes it unsuitable for regular or large consumption.

Plant guide

Sheep sorrel.

Rumex acetosella

Pronounced ROO-mex a-see-toe-SEL-la

Also known as Common Sheep Sorrel, Field Dock, Sheep-sorrel, Red-sorrel, Field Sorrel, Red Sorrel, Sheep Sorrel, Sheep's Sorrel, Sheep's Sorrel agg., Sorrel

Sheep's sorrel — Photo by Kieran Hanrahan (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Sheep sorrel is a hardy perennial often found in meadows and disturbed soil. It is well known for its tangy, lemon flavored leaves that add a nice zing to salads. You will find it spreads easily through underground runners.

Another photo of Sheep sorrel — Photo by Tony Rebelo (CC BY-SA) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial herb
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 1 to 1.5 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 9
Bloom time: Late spring to mid summer

Care

Give this plant plenty of sun and keep the soil slightly acidic for the best results. Watch for yellowing leaves which can indicate the soil is too alkaline. It is a vigorous grower so keep an eye on it to make sure it does not take over your garden.

Watering: Let the top of the soil dry out between waterings. Established plants tolerate drought well, but never leave the soil waterlogged.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back flower stalks to encourage more leaf growth and prevent unwanted seeding.
Repotting: Repot when the roots start to crowd the container or emerge from drainage holes.
Soil: Well draining acidic soil
Soil pH: 4.5 to 6.5
Temperature: -30 to 35°C
Humidity: 30 to 70%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Stunted growth
Soil drying out too quickly

Safety

People: The leaves contain oxalic acid, which may cause irritation or health issues if eaten in significant amounts.
Pets: This plant contains oxalates which can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested in large quantities.
Children: Keep children away from consuming large amounts of the leaves due to the high oxalic acid content.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The windborne pollen is a common cause of seasonal hay fever.
Edibility: This plant contains high levels of oxalic acid, which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities or by individuals with kidney issues.

How to identify it

Arrow shaped leaves with basal lobes
Small reddish green flower clusters
Spreads via extensive creeping rhizomes
Low growing rosette habit
Distinctly acidic tasting foliage

Height: 0.1 to 0.4m
Spread: 0.15 to 0.3m
Leaves: green, reddish, deciduous
Flowers: green, red, yellow, 0.1 to 0.3cm
Fruit: brown, Summer

Problems to watch for

Rust · Fungal infection causing orange spots on the leaves.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, division, rhizome cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: The plant dies back to the ground in cold climates and regrows from its rhizomes in the spring. No special winter protection is required.
In containers: It grows well in containers, but use a deep pot to accommodate its extensive root system.

Division

1. Dig up the plant in early spring.
2. Separate the root mass into smaller sections.
3. Replant the divisions immediately in moist soil.

Seed

1. Sow seeds directly into the garden in spring.
2. Cover lightly with soil.
3. Keep the area moist until germination.

Grow this plant in a contained area to prevent its rhizomes from invading the rest of your garden beds.

Grows well with

Yarrow · They share similar preferences for dry, sunny conditions.
Wild Strawberry · Both plants tolerate similar soil conditions and provide ground cover.

Similar species

Garden Sorrel · It is a larger, more commonly cultivated relative with similar tart leaves.

Science

Family: Polygonaceae
Genus: Rumex
Order: Caryophyllales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Eurasia
Conservation: It is considered an invasive weed in many parts of North America and is not of conservation concern.

It survives in the wild by colonizing disturbed, acidic soils where it outcompetes other plants using its deep, spreading root system.

Value to wildlife: larval host plant, nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: culinary herb, ground cover, soil stabilizer

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 3/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 2/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is sheep sorrel a weed?: Yes, it is widely considered a persistent weed due to its rapid spread via rhizomes.
Can I eat it?: Yes, it is edible in small amounts, but the high oxalic acid content makes it unsuitable for regular or large consumption.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Rumex is the ancient Latin name for sorrel, while acetosella comes from the Latin word for sour, referring to the taste of the leaves.

Good to know

It is often called sheep sorrel because sheep enjoy grazing on it.
The plant spreads aggressively through an extensive network of underground rhizomes.
It is a traditional ingredient in the herbal cancer treatment known as Essiac tea.
The leaves have a distinct lemony, tart flavor.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.