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Violet woodsorrel

How to identify Violet woodsorrel (Oxalis violacea)

Violet woodsorrel, also known as Violet wood-sorrel

Violet woodsorrel is noted for its distinctive clusters of violet flowers with five heart-shaped petals, each typically 0.4-0.8 inches (1-2 cm) in diameter. This perennial herb sprouts from a bulb covered in a scaly coat and features compound leaves that resemble clover, with three heart-shaped leaflets. The plant's stature can reach 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) in height. The foliage is subtly striking, often showcasing a deep green hue with hints of purple, particularly at the base of the stems.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Violet woodsorrel

1

Violet flowers with 5 heart-shaped petals, 0.4-0.8 inches (1-2 cm) in diameter.

2

Compound leaves resembling clover, with 3 heart-shaped leaflets, exhibiting a deep green hue with hints of purple.

3

Distinctive rose-purple flowers with flaring star-like shape and green sepals with orange tips.

4

Long-stalked leaves with 3 inversely heart-shaped leaflets, measuring 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) in length.

5

Unique color contrast of green upper side and reddish or purplish underside of leaves.

Violet woodsorrelViolet woodsorrelViolet woodsorrelViolet woodsorrelViolet woodsorrel

Detailed Traits of Violet woodsorrel

Leaf Features

The leaves of violet woodsorrel are long-stalked and composed of three leaflets. These palmately divided leaves measure approximately 1.5 to 2 inches (4 to 5 cm) in length. Each leaflet is inversely heart-shaped with a reddish or purplish underside. The leaf surface is smooth, and the veins are distinctly networked, providing a delicate texture. The unique color contrast between the green upper side and the reddish or purplish underside is a key identification feature for this plant.

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Flower Features

The flowers of violet woodsorrel are notable for their delicate rose-purple hue, with five flaring petals each about 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) long. Rising above the leaves on slender stalks, they display green sepals with distinctive orange tips. They exhibit a flared, star-like shape, making them easily recognizable. These blossoms can also appear in white, yellow, lavender, or rose shades and typically bloom in early spring and late summer, offering a subtle, pleasant fragrance.

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Violet woodsorrel and Their Similar Plants

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False shamrock vs. Violet woodsorrel: 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. Violet woodsorrel: 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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Pink-sorrel vs. Violet woodsorrel: What's The Difference?
Pink-sorrel (Oxalis articulata) is a perennial flowering plant that grows in temperate climates throughout its native South America. Pink-sorrel is popular for ornamental ground cover growth in China and Turkey. It is susceptible to fungal disease.
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Mountain wood-sorrel vs. Violet woodsorrel: 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. Violet woodsorrel: 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. Violet woodsorrel: 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. Violet woodsorrel: 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 Violet woodsorrel

Attributes of Violet woodsorrel
Lifespan
Perennial
Spread
15 cm to 25 cm
Leaf Color
Yellow
Gold
Purple
Lavender
Flower Size
2.5 cm to 5 cm
Flower Color
Pink
Purple
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Violet woodsorrel

Species
Violet woodsorrel (Oxalis violacea)
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Distribution Map of Violet woodsorrel

Violet woodsorrel is indigenous to the central-eastern and southern regions of North America. It has transcended its original range to include areas of the Caribbean and East Asia. Additionally, violet woodsorrel has found a foothold as a cultivated species beyond its native and introduced territories.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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