Purple woodsorrel - Oxalis purpurea (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Purple woodsorrel

Purple woodsorrel (Oxalis purpurea) is a perennial that will barely reach 8 cm tall. It makes an excellent ground cover with heart-shaped leaves and pretty funnel-shaped flowers that can be pinkish purple to creamy white with yellow throats and overlapping petals. Flowers attract bees and butterflies. Grows in full sun to partial shade in dry, sandy soil.

Scientific classification

Species

Purple woodsorrel (Oxalis purpurea)

Woodsorrels, quandongs, and allies

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

3 cm to 4 cm

Flower Size

White, Yellow, Purple, Pink, Green, Red

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Purple woodsorrel

Distribution of Purple woodsorrel

Distribution Map

Purple woodsorrel is native to the southern part of Africa, primarily flourishing in regions characterized by a Mediterranean climate. Beyond its natural habitat, purple woodsorrel has spread to other major regions that include parts of southern Europe, North Africa, Asia, and Oceania. It is cultivated in various locales beyond its native and introduced ranges.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Waste places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Interesting Facts

Purple woodsorrel, or Oxalis purpurea, grows from small bulbs. These plants will spread to form small colonies of plants with three-lobed leaves and pale purple flowers. These plants, both the leaves are flowers, are photosensitive and will open with the sun and close in the shade.

Name Story

Purple woodsorrel: Purple woodsorrel is a species of oxalis also known as Oxalis purpurea. The word purple in its name, or purpurea in the Latin epithet, refer to the pale violet coloring of the plants flowers. Most of the woodsorrel flowers are white. The words sorrel and oxalis are both related to the word sour, because the plant has a sour taste to it. The flavor comes from the presence of oxalic acid, which can be toxic in large amounts.

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Care Guide for Purple woodsorrel

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Purple woodsorrel thrives in moisture-rich conditions, requiring consistent hydration and evenly moist soil. It is moderately drought-tolerant and benefits from weekly watering. Primarily cultivated outdoors, its growth and flowering are optimally influenced by water availability.

Fertilize: Purple woodsorrel requires balanced nutrition fertilizers, shifting to high phosphorus during blooming. Fertilize bi-weekly in growth seasons, reducing frequency in winter. Dilute liquid fertilizers, apply to moist soil, and avoid leaves. Consistent application ensures healthy growth, while overfeeding can harm purple woodsorrel.

Pruning: Prune purple woodsorrel in early to late spring to enhance density and bloom. Remove spent flowers and leggy growth, ensuring a neat shape. Use clean tools and avoid excessive pruning for optimal growth and to prevent invasiveness. Regular, light maintenance is ideal for healthier plants.

Propagation: Purple woodsorrel, a perennial from the Oxalidaceae family, showcases clover-like leaves and vibrant blooms. Propagate by dividing root clusters during active growth. Carefully separate roots to reduce damage and replant promptly, ensuring consistent soil moisture for successful establishment.

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