Oxalis violacea
Oxalis violacea violet woodsorrel
Delicate perennial wildflower, whose leaves and stems arise from a scaly, brown bulb. Bears a cluster (from 1 to several) of rose-violet flowers with peduncles much taller than leaves. Leaves resemble those of a 3-leaved clover and at night or in cloudy weather fold downward.
Scattered throughout the state except for the north and is not very common. Leaves and bulbs of violet wood-sorrel were used by Native Americans for medicinal and food purposes.
Habitat & Range
Grows in open, dry woods and shaded banks.
Present in the southern half of the state.
Wetland code: Not classified
Phenology
Flowers April to June.
Characteristics
Leaf consists of three inversely heart-shaped leaflets, reddish or purplish underneath.
Flower petals five of rose-purple or purplish violet.
Peduncles significantly taller than the leaves.
Special Characters
There is no other sorrel of this color in our state.
Plant Codes
S-rank: No rank
G-rank: G5 (Secure)
Oxalis violacea violet woodsorrel
