Oxalis oregana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oxalis oregana |
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|---|---|
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| Redwood sorrel | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Oxalis
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| Species: |
oregana
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Redwood sorrel (scientific name: Oxalis oregana) is a cool plant. It's also called Oregon oxalis. This plant belongs to the wood sorrel family, called Oxalidaceae. You can find it growing in damp forests. It loves places with Douglas fir and coast redwood trees. These forests are found in western North America. You can see redwood sorrel from southwestern British Columbia down to Washington, Oregon, and California.
What Does Redwood Sorrel Look Like?
Redwood sorrel is a small plant. It's a herb that comes back every year, so it's a perennial. Its flowering stems stand about 5 to 15 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) tall.
The leaves are very interesting. Each leaf has three heart-shaped parts, called leaflets. These leaflets are 1 to 4.5 centimeters long. Their undersides often have a pretty purplish color. The leaves grow on stalks that are 5 to 20 centimeters long.
The flowers are also quite lovely. They are about 2.4 to 4 centimeters wide. You'll usually see them in white or pink colors. Each flower has five petals and five sepals. After the flowers, the plant grows small, hairy seed capsules. These capsules are egg-shaped and about 7 to 9 millimeters long. Inside, you'll find almond-shaped seeds.
Can You Eat Redwood Sorrel?
Yes, you can eat the leaves of redwood sorrel! Native American groups like the Cowlitz, Quileute, and Quinault peoples used to eat them.
However, just like spinach, these leaves contain something called oxalic acid. This acid is named after the Oxalis plant group. It can be mildly toxic if you eat too much. It's safe to eat small amounts of redwood sorrel leaves. But if someone has health issues related to oxalates, they should avoid eating it.
