Oxalis violacea violet woodsorrel

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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)

Comments

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MikeS (Guest)

Posted on 22 June 2025

For the 34 years we've owned this 1886 house this solid pink flowered plant has grown on a small strip next to the house facing south-southwest. Very sunny. Wilts a bit in the afternoon but I mist it when it's hot and it has survived. Leaves are solid green not tinged with red. Plenty of "legacy" plants in the gardens, antique brown yellow irises, peonies, etc. that I've kept going. This one always stumped me until now. I've moved some of this to shadier areas and it seems to be taking. Should I keep it going? Seems controllable, for now, and pretty in a subdued manner. I'm moving to all natives going forward (having just converted) and wondered if this is also.

Posted By Admin: @MikeS I would keep it, it is a lovely addition to a native garden. Given its native status, adaptability, and restrained growth habit, it is a perfect companion for a native garden that honors both heritage and ecological integrity.