Pink woodsorrel - Oxalis debilis (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Control)

Pink woodsorrel

Also known as: Pink shamrock, Large-flowered pink-sorrel

Pink woodsorrel (Oxalis debilis) is a flowering herb that can now be found on every inhabited continent. All the parts of pink woodsorrel are edible, but only in small amounts due to the presence of oxalic acid. The flavor is zesty and similar to lemon. This species can become a weed if not adequately controlled.

Scientific classification

Species

Pink woodsorrel (Oxalis debilis)

Woodsorrels, quandongs, and allies

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

10 cm to 15 cm

Plant Height

10 cm to 30 cm

Spread

Pink, Yellow, Green, Purple

Flower Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Pink woodsorrel

Distribution of Pink woodsorrel

Distribution Map

Pink woodsorrel (Oxalis debilis) originates in grasslands from Central America to the northern parts of South America. The plant has now been introduced to many parts of the Americas, Europe, Africa, and South Asia.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Fencerows, yards, flower beds, roadsides, disturbed areas, hammock margins, sandy live oak woods, mesic woods, stream, river terraces

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

In gardening, pink woodsorrel is known for its clover-like leaves and pink flowers that appear through late summer and are larger and more prominent than in other sorrels. However, due to its adaptability, aggressive spread via stolons, and seed production, it spreads easily and to some it is considered more of a garden weed than a desirable cultivated ornamental. Forking out, heavy mulching of shrub borders, and topsoil removal are some methods recommended for control if this plant starts to spread outside of its planting zone.

Symbolism

Joy and good-heartedness

Interesting Facts

Pink woodsorrel (Oxalis debilis) is native to South America. In North American environments, outside its native range, the seeds of the plant appear to be sterile, but Oxalis debilis is still able to spread in those locations, through its roots.

Name Story

Pink woodsorrel: Many of the species in the Oxalis genus are known as wood sorrels as they have an acidic taste resemblance of the sorrel proper or also known as Rumex acetosa, which is only distantly related. Since the plant sprouts pink flowers, it is called pink woodsorrel.

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Toxicity

Pink woodsorrel is toxic to cats and dogs, causing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. All parts of pink woodsorrel contain oxalic acid, which in large quantities can be harmful to humans, causing abdominal pain and calcium deficiencies. Cat and dog owners should monitor their pets closely and seek immediate veterinary care if symptoms of poisoning appear.

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Weed Control

The pink woodsorrel is a weed native to South America. It has been distributed to China, Australia, Hawaii, New Caledonia, and the Galapagos Islands. It is considered an invasive weed in thirty-eight countries including the United States of America, Spain, India, and the United Kingdom. It is used as an ornamental plant, but it also roots in areas of native vegetation and will often push the natural flora out. The weed poses a low poison risk when its leaves are eaten in bulk. If necessary, the pink woodsorrel can be removed via a herbicide containing glyphosate or via mechanical removal when the plant is young.

How to Control It

The best season to remove pink woodsorrel is in late spring or early summer, ideally before the plant has the chance to set seed. Here are some methods for control:

Hand pulling: Good old-fashioned manual labor can often be an effective method of weed control. Make sure to pull out the entire plant, roots and all, to prevent it from regrowing. Repeat every few weeks to handle new sprouts.
Mulching: This involves covering the soil with a thick layer of organic material like bark chips, straw, or compost. The mulch will smother existing weeds and prevent new ones from sprouting. Remember to maintain a 2 to 3-inch layer, and replace as necessary.
Solarization: This is a long-term, environmentally-friendly method. Wet the soil, then cover it with a clear plastic tarp. Leave the tarp in place for 4 to 6 weeks during the hottest part of the year. The sun will heat up the soil beneath the tarp, killing the pink woodsorrel.
Vinegar spray: A homemade vinegar and dish soap solution can be effective at killing pink woodsorrel without harming the environment. Spray the solution directly onto the weeds early in the morning on a sunny day to maximize the effectiveness.

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Care Guide for Pink woodsorrel

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Preferring moist environments, pink woodsorrel thrives with consistent moisture, requiring weekly watering. This herbaceous plant, often grown indoors for its attractive foliage and pink flowers, benefits from higher humidity levels that imitate its tropical origins.

Fertilize: Pink woodsorrel is a light feeder, needing minimal additional fertilization in balanced soil. A half-strength, all-purpose liquid fertilizer every few months suffices. Avoid feeding during winter dormancy, and mix organic compost when repotting to enhance growth during the sprouting period.

Pruning: Pink woodsorrel should be pruned when entering winter dormancy, indicated by withering foliage. Remove dead leaves, as this is normal, with regrowth expected in 2 to 4 weeks. Always disinfect pruning tools to prevent cross-contamination.

Propagation: Pink woodsorrel propagates using tubers, ideally during Spring. It is an easy method, with successful propagation shown by new growth. Ensure tubers are planted in well-draining soil for optimal results.

Repotting: Pink woodsorrel requires excellent drainage in pots to thrive, ensuring its roots don't become waterlogged and suffer from rot.

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Images of Pink woodsorrel

Distribution of Pink woodsorrel

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Care Guide for Pink woodsorrel

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