What Is Redwood Sorrel – Growing Redwood Sorrel In The Garden

Restoring and creating native habitats is an exciting way to create lush green spaces, as well as attract wildlife to urban and rural homes. The addition of native perennial plants is a great way to add year-round interest to the garden. One such plant, Oxalis redwood sorrel, is an excellent choice for shaded growing spaces in cool season gardens. Read on for more redwood sorrel plant info.

What is Redwood Sorrel?

Redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregana) is a low-growing flowering plant that is native to western coastal regions of the United States. Hardy to USDA growing zone 7, this perennial plant is ideal for use as a groundcover and in wild plantings like woodland gardens.

While the plant is quite small, the unique clover-shaped foliage and white-pink flowers are an excellent way to add visual interest and texture to landscape plantings. Note of caution: Though conflicting information exists online, this ornamental plant should not be consumed, as it contains toxic oxalic acid. Don’t plant anywhere you expect children or pets to play.

Growing Redwood Sorrel

Success with Oxalis redwood sorrel is largely dependent upon the growing zone. Gardeners living in hot and humid climates may have great difficulty growing this plant, as it thrives in cool temperatures.

In addition to its sensitivity to temperature, redwood sorrel plants require conditions that are consistently moist. Native to redwood and evergreen forests, these plants thrive in low light conditions and may suffer when too many hours of sun are received. 

Introducing redwood sorrel into native plantings is easy though. For most growers, the best option is to locate transplants from specialty native plant garden centers, as it may not be found elsewhere. Seeds for the plant may also be found online.

When purchasing redwood sorrel plants or seeds, always make certain to buy from a reputable source to ensure that plants are correctly labeled and disease free. As with many native plants, those wishing to grow redwood sorrel should never collect or disturb established plantings in the wild.