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Garden sorrel
Also known as: Field sorrel
Garden sorrel (Rumex acetosella) is a flowering plant related to buckwheat. It can be found in acidic soil and tends to grow outside abandoned mines where other plants can't take hold. Farmers will often consider garden sorrel a weed; it is a particular problem for blueberry crops.
Scientific classification
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Toxic to Pets
Toxicity
Weeds
Weed or not
Perennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Summer, Fall
Bloom Time
Summer, Fall
Harvest Time
50 cm
Plant Height
1 m
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
0.5 mm to 1.3 mm
Flower Size
Red, Burgundy
Fruit Color
Red, Yellow, Green
Flower Color
Green, Red
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy

Images of Garden sorrel

Distribution of Garden sorrel

Distribution Map
Garden sorrel's geographical presence spans across multiple continents, being native to regions in Europe, Asia, and parts of Northern Africa. Garden sorrel also thrives in other domains, adapting to various climates and territories beyond its native range, including large areas of North and South America, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. In certain areas, garden sorrel is sometimes thought to be a robust presence, potentially exerting influence on native ecosystems, especially in locales such as Australia and New Zealand where its vigorous growth habit may have an impact on local flora.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Heaths, acid grasslands, acid soils
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Symbolism
Patience
Name Story
Common sheep sorrel: The plant is featured with green arrowhead-shaped leaves and red-tinted ridged stems and it sprouts from an aggressive spreading rhizome. Furthermore, this plant is related to other highly acidic plants from the Rumex genus. This plant is called common sheep sorrel because it typically grows where sheep roam.
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Toxicity

Poisoning from garden sorrel occurs primarily through pollen or ingestion, causing tremors, salivation, diarrhea, and increased kidney stone risk. Its pollen can trigger hay fever. Toxic to cats and dogs, ingestion leads to vomiting, diarrhea, and more; immediate veterinary care is crucial. A higher risk for children and people with kidney conditions or arthritis.
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RELATED: Toxicity of Garden sorrel

Weed Control

Garden sorrel is native to Europe and southwestern Asia. It has spread to most agricultural areas except for equatorial South America and Africa. It is invasive throughout North America, Oceania, and Asia. In the United States, garden sorrel is banned or listed as invasive or noxious in several states and regions. It contains oxalic acid, which is considered mildly toxic to humans and animals. It spreads aggressively through rhizome roots and develops a large seed bank. These noxious qualities make it difficult to control or eradicate after it is established. Since garden sorrel prefers lower pH, soil can be amended with materials such as lime to raise the pH and discourage its growth. Crop rotation, mulching, and cover crops can be used to control established populations, but mowing and tilling are typically ineffective due to the rhizomes. Herbicides can also offer effective control.
How to Control It
The best time to remove garden sorrel is during the spring or early summer, before it has the opportunity to release its seeds. Now, let's talk about a few organic or creative methods to control its growth.
  1. Hand Pulling: Get a firm grip on the garden sorrel at its base and gently pull to uproot it. Ensure you have gotten all the root system, as it can regrow from fragments left behind.
  2. Solarization: This is a process where you cover the garden sorrel with a clear plastic sheet during the hottest part of the year. The heat gets trapped under the plastic, and this helps kill the plant and its seeds.
  3. Vinegar Spray: Prepare a solution of 10% vinegar and water. Spray this solution directly on the garden sorrel, being careful not to damage surrounding plans. This method is most effective on a sunny day.
  4. Organic Mulching: Cover the soil around the garden sorrel with organic material like wood chips, straw, or compost. This prevents sunlight from reaching the soil and inhibits the growth of the garden sorrel.
  5. Biological Control: Release natural enemies of the garden sorrel into your garden, like leaf-eating beetles. They naturally keep the garden sorrel in check without the need for chemicals.
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Quickly Identify Garden sorrel

1
Slender, angular flowering stalks with reddish tint and branching apex.
2
Distinct arrow-shaped leaves with halberd-like base lobes, smooth texture.
3
Stem grows 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) tall, angular, rough-textured with prominent ridges.
4
Sexually distinct flowers: red for females, yellowish-green for males.
5
Blooms measure 1/8 inch (3 mm) across, lack discernible scent, bloom late spring to early summer.
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RELATED: How to identify Garden sorrel

Care Guide for Garden sorrel

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
0 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Garden sorrel prefers moderate humidity and thrives in meadows and fields. Weekly watering is ideal, as it is not drought-tolerant nor excessively moist. As an herbaceous perennial, water availability affects its growth, and periods of dryness may induce dormancy.
Propagation: Garden sorrel propagates easily via cuttings in spring or summer, with success indicated by new leaf growth. It's crucial to maintain soil moisture while avoiding overwatering to promote healthy growth.
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