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Pink-sorrel

How to identify Pink-sorrel (Oxalis articulata)

Pink-sorrel, also known as Pink wood sorrel, Oxalis

Pink-sorrel is a low-growing, mounded perennial with a height up to 12 inches (30 cm). Its stemless, clover-like foliage is distinctive for its ternate compound leaves that interestingly fold down at night. The leaves are potentially toxic due to the presence of oxalates. The plant is adorned with 5-petaled flowers ranging in hues of pink, white, to magenta, which also close at dusk. These blooms appear en masse, creating a vibrant display in both spring and fall. Pink-sorrel can survive in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils, although it enters dormancy in dry conditions.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen, Deciduous

Quickly Identify Pink-sorrel

1

Ternate compound leaves fold at night.

2

Distinctive 5-petaled flowers in pink, white, magenta.

3

Height up to 12 inches (30 cm) with stemless growth.

4

Toxic leaves containing oxalates.

5

Dehiscent capsule fruit ejects seeds for propagation.

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Detailed Traits of Pink-sorrel

Leaf Features

The leaves of pink-sorrel are basal and ternately compound, with each leaf consisting of three clover-like leaflets. These leaflets are obcordate to incised triangular, bright green or burgundy in color, and have entire margins. Each leaflet features a distinct notch at the top and typically measures around 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in width. The leaves spread out during the day and fold down at night. The petioles are slender and succulent, adding a unique texture.

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Flower Features

The flowers of pink-sorrel are vibrant and varied in color, ranging from pink, white, magenta, to yellow. Each flower measures up to 1 inch (2.54 cm) in size with 5 petals that are partially fused at the base. The structure includes 10 stamens in two whorls of 5. The inflorescence forms an umbel up to 3 inches (7.62 cm) in diameter, supported by a long pedicel. These characteristics make the flowers of pink-sorrel distinct and easily recognizable.

Pink-sorrel Flower imagePink-sorrel Flower imagePink-sorrel Flower image
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Stem Features

The stems of pink-sorrel are acaulescent, meaning they are not visible above ground and are often very short. They typically remain at or below the soil surface, supporting the leaf clusters. These stems appear thickened or bulbous, with a smooth texture and a green to pale coloration. The structure is compact, typically less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, with no distinct branching pattern. Uniquely adapted for terrestrial growth, the stems are crucial for anchoring the plant.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of pink-sorrel is a notable dehiscent capsule, typically characterized by its fleshy construction. Upon ripening, it adopts a distinct behavior of ejecting seeds, a fascinating trait that adds to its uniqueness. The exact size, shape, and color of these capsules can vary, but they are generally small and inconspicuous, blending seamlessly with the plant’s foliage. Inside the capsule, the seeds await, ready to be propelled into the surrounding environment to ensure the propagation of pink-sorrel. This seed dispersal mechanism is an intriguing aspect to observe, especially for those new to plant observation.

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Pink-sorrel and Their Similar Plants

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False shamrock vs. Pink-sorrel: What's The Difference?
False shamrock (Oxalis triangularis) is a native lobed perennial plant that grows throughout South America. The three-leaved shape gives this plant its name, but the leaves are also remarkable for their purple color. This color makes the false shamrock a popular ornamental plant for hanging baskets. This plant is edible but should be consumed only in small amounts due to the presence of oxalic acid.
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Creeping woodsorrel vs. Pink-sorrel: What's The Difference?
Creeping woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata) is a flowering herb which grows aggressively. The leaves have a lemony flavor and are often made into tea that's rich in vitamin C. However, if ingested in large amounts the oxalic acid for which the genus is named can begin to block the body's calcium absorption.
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Violet woodsorrel vs. Pink-sorrel: What's The Difference?
Native to much of the United States, Oxalis violacea sprouts from an underground bulb and can produce leaf stems between 6 to 13 cm tall. The flower clusters on these stems can reach heights of 9 to 23 cm. The appearance is not unlike that of a shamrock, and its lavender to white flowers bloom during spring.
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Mountain wood-sorrel vs. Pink-sorrel: What's The Difference?
The specific epithet in the scientific name of mountain wood-sorrel (Oxalis montana) is “montana,” which means “mountain.” That’s because it’s a shade-loving species that thrives best at higher elevations. This is a plant that’s indigenous to eastern North America. Other names for it include wood shamrock and white woodsorrel.
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yellow woodsorrel vs. Pink-sorrel: What's The Difference?
Yellow woodsorrel is a small, herbaceous plant featuring distinctive heart-shaped, trifoliate leaves. Its stems tend to stand erect, giving it a vertical aspect. The yellow flowers, with five petals each, bloom from spring to fall and are a signal characteristic. Thriving in disturbed soils, yellow woodsorrel can spread vigorously, indicating adaptability to diverse environments. Though resilient, it prefers well-lit areas that offer ample sunlight.
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Brazilian oxalis vs. Pink-sorrel: What's The Difference?
Brazilian oxalis is a vibrant perennial with a penchant for warm regions and well-drained soils. It exhibits rich green, heart-shaped leaves that typically fold at night, and in spring to summer, it becomes adorned with cheerful pink or purple trumpet-shaped flowers. The clover-like foliage and distinct flowering habit make brazilian oxalis a popular choice for ornamental gardens, as it adds a splash of color and adapts well to its environment.
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Great yellow woodsorrel vs. Pink-sorrel: What's The Difference?
Great yellow woodsorrel is recognized by its heart-shaped clover-like leaves and delicate yellow flowers that bloom in spring, adding a splash of color to woodlands. These leaves often fold at night, a phenomenon called nyctinasty, which may protect against cold or predation. Thriving in moist, shaded areas, great yellow woodsorrel spreads easily, forming a lush, ground-hugging carpet that adapts to its environment through its resilient rhizomatous root system.
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Key Facts About Pink-sorrel

Attributes of Pink-sorrel
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Flower Size
1 cm to 1.4 cm
Flower Color
Pink
White
Purple
Fruit Color
Green
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Evergreen, Deciduous
The Toxicity of Pink-sorrel
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Scientific Classification of Pink-sorrel

Species
Pink-sorrel (Oxalis articulata)
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Distribution Map of Pink-sorrel

Native to South America, pink-sorrel is a plant with a significant environmental footprint that extends well beyond its original habitat. It is widely introduced and cultivated in various regions across Europe, Asia, North America, and Oceania. The plant thrives in its introduced ranges, spreading across continents and adapting to diverse climates.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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