How to identify Mountain wood-sorrel (Oxalis montana)

How to identify Mountain wood-sorrel (Oxalis montana)

Mountain wood-sorrel, also known as White woodsorrel

Mountain wood-sorrel is a perennial plant characterized by its trifoliate leaves, resembling a clover, which are comprised of heart-shaped leaflets. It produces delicate blossoms, typically white or pink, with each flower having five petals. The plant maintains a low-profile growth habit, usually not exceeding 6 inches (15 cm) in height. It favors moist, well-drained soil and thrives in the dappled light of forest understories. This species often forms verdant colonies, leveraging its preference for cool, shady environments.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Mountain wood-sorrel

Trifoliate leaves, resembling clover, with heart-shaped leaflets.

Delicate flowers with 5 petals, white or pink, not exceeding 6 inches (15 cm).

Inverted heart-shaped leaflets close at night, with brown hairs on stalks.

Slender green stems with reddish base, reaching up to 4 inches (10 cm).

Diminutive erect capsules, divided into 5 sections, splitting open for seed dispersal.

Detailed Traits of Mountain wood-sorrel

Leaf Features

The leaves of mountain wood-sorrel are clover-like and compound, consisting of three inverted heart-shaped leaflets. These leaflets, each about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) wide, are basal and possessed of long stalks, though shorter than the flower stalks. The leaf color is green with a slight sour taste. Notably, the leaflets close at night and feature brown hairs on the stalks, contributing to their distinctive texture.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Mountain wood-sorrel flowers bloom between May and July and exhibit two distinct types: one with solitary, nodding flowers measuring 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch (1.3 to 1.9 cm) across, featuring 5-parted oblong-elliptic petals. The petals are white, lavender, or rose with deep pink veins and a yellow spot at the base, with tips that are slightly notched. Later in the season, flowers lacking petals appear on curved stems, staying at the plant's base, where they self-pollinate without opening.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stems of mountain wood-sorrel are characterized by their slender green structure, with a reddish hue present at the base. Typically, they grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) in height. These stems exhibit a smooth texture with no apparent branching pattern. The thin and delicate nature of the stems is consistent, making it easier to distinguish mountain wood-sorrel from other plants. These features ensure easy identification, particularly the unique reddish coloration at the base.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of mountain wood-sorrel is a diminutive, erect capsule with a rounded shape, measuring a mere few millimeters in diameter. It is divided into five distinct sections, each harboring 1 to 2 seeds. Upon reaching maturity, the dry capsule naturally splits open, a dehiscence process that allows for seed dispersal. The surface texture of the fruit is typically smooth. This capsule, while small, is a key identification characteristic of the species.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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