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Sorrel
Also known as: Garden sorrel, Narrow leaved dock, Meadow sorrel
The green foliage of the herb sorrel has a tangy taste with little hints of citrus. It is often used in salads or cooked like spinach. It was once considered a vegetable, but it is now seen as a wild food plant. It is usually found on cliffs and coastal dunes.
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Toxic to Pets
Toxicity
Perennial, Annual
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Late spring, Summer
Bloom Time
Spring, Fall
Harvest Time
40 cm to 1 m
Plant Height
45 cm to 60 cm
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
3.5 mm to 4 mm
Flower Size
Deciduous
Leaf type
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature

Images of Sorrel

Distribution of Sorrel

Distribution Map
Sorrel is a plant with a prolific native range primarily across the temperate regions of Eurasia, including significant parts of Europe and Asia, as well as northern areas of Africa. It has also been introduced to the Americas and some Oceanic islands, where it continues to persist and spread in suitable habitats.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Meadows, streamside, open places in woodland
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Culture

Garden Use
It is a common weed in orchards and tea plantations.
Symbolism
Considerate
Interesting Facts
The shape of sorrel is peculiar, a little like the tongue of a cow. Villagers call it cow tongue. Since sorrel is even more sour than vinegar, in ancient times many people would suck the leaves of sorrel to quench their thirst on a journey.
Name Story
Common sorrel||Sorrel: Certain plants of the genus Rumex are commonly referred to as "sorrel", while Rumex acetosa is mainly known by the common name sorrel. The term "sorrel" was probably derived from the Old French "sorel", meaning "red-brown" and it refers to the tiny yellow or reddish-brown flowers arranged on a tall stem of the certain Rumex species.
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Toxicity

Sorrel is mildly toxic to humans, cats, and dogs due to oxalic acid in the whole plant. Contact or ingestion can cause skin and mucous membrane irritation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms in pets include gastrointestinal upset and physical discomfort. Immediate medical or veterinary care is crucial if poisoning is suspected.
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RELATED: Toxicity of Sorrel

Weed Control

Sorrel, commonly known as Sorrel, traces its origins to Europe and parts of Asia. It's considered a weed due to its rapid growth and vigorous reproduction characteristics, which cause significant upsets to the balance of garden ecosystems. As a perennial herb, it has a long lifespan and produces copious amounts of seeds through flower spikes that can propagate over vast areas. The plant thrives in varying soil conditions and once established, it aggressively outcompetes native plants and cultivars for vital resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients, harming the overall garden diversity. Sorrel also has a deep-root system that further augments its invasive nature. This makes it difficult to eradicate as it easily regrows even after the aerial parts are removed. The primary method of sorrel's distribution is by seed dissemination, aided by wind, water, humans, or animals.
How to Control It
The optimal season for removing sorrel is during late spring or early summer. It's best to remove sorrel before it gets a chance to bloom and set seed to prevent further spread. Here are some organic or interesting methods to control sorrel:
  1. Hand pulling: Moisten the soil, grip at the plant's base, and pull gently to remove the root system.
  2. Mulching: Cover the weed-prone area with organic mulch. It blocks sunlight and creates a physical barrier, suppressing weed growth.
  3. Planting competition: Introduce fast-growing, groundcover plants. They compete for resources, thereby stifering the growth of sorrel.
  4. Solarization: On a sunny day, cover the affected area with a clear plastic sheet. The heat generated beneath the sheet will kill existing weeds and their seeds.
  5. Vinegar spray: Fill a spray bottle with horticultural vinegar (20% acetic acid) and spray directly onto the leaves of sorrel, avoiding any desired plants. This method works best on young weeds.
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Care Guide for Sorrel

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Sorrel thrives in temperate regions with a preference for consistently moist soil, benefiting from weekly watering. While versatile for indoor and outdoor growth, sorrel performs better outdoors, mimicking natural water cycles and enhancing its lush foliage during the active season.
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RELATED: How to Grow and Care for Sorrel
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