Violet wood-sorrel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Violet wood-sorrel |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Oxalis
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| Species: |
violacea
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The violet wood-sorrel (scientific name: Oxalis violacea) is a small plant that comes back every year. It's part of the Oxalidaceae family. People sometimes call plants from the Oxalis group "sour grass" or "shamrock" because of their taste and leaf shape.
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Where Does Violet Wood-Sorrel Grow?
This plant is a native plant in many parts of the United States. You can find it from the Rocky Mountains all the way to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It also grows in Eastern Canada.
Violet wood-sorrel likes to grow in open, damp areas. Look for it in moist woods, along stream banks, and in wet prairies. In some eastern U.S. states, this plant is considered rare or special.
What Does Violet Wood-Sorrel Look Like?
The violet wood-sorrel starts to grow in early spring from a hidden underground bulb. Its leaf stems can reach about 7 to 13 centimeters (3 to 5 inches) tall. The flower stems grow a bit taller, from 9 to 23 centimeters (3.5 to 9 inches).
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of this plant have three parts, and each part is shaped like a heart. They look a lot like small clovers, similar to the shamrock.
The plant produces beautiful lavender or white flowers. These flowers have white or light green centers. They usually bloom in April or May, but sometimes as late as July. If there's enough rain, you might even see more flowers in late summer or fall.
How Do People Use Violet Wood-Sorrel?
People have found many ways to use the violet wood-sorrel over time.
Traditional Medicine Uses
Long ago, Native Americans used Oxalis violacea as a medicinal plant. Groups like the Cherokee and Pawnee used it for different health purposes.
Eating Violet Wood-Sorrel
Did you know that all parts of this plant are edible? You can eat the flowers, leaves, stems, and even the bulb! The word "Oxalis" comes from a Greek word meaning "sour." This plant has a sour juice, which is why it's sometimes added to salads.
However, it's important not to eat too much of it. The plant contains something called oxalic acid. Eating large amounts of oxalic acid can be harmful. So, enjoy it in small amounts! Native American groups like the Apache, Cherokee, Omaha, Pawnee, and Ponca traditionally used it as a food source.
Growing Violet Wood-Sorrel in Gardens
Many people grow Oxalis violacea in their gardens because it's a pretty ornamental plant. It makes a lovely groundcover or a perennial plant that comes back each year. Gardeners use it in traditional gardens and in native plant gardens.
It's also great for natural landscaping projects. This plant spreads quickly using runners and bulbs. In gardens, it prefers places with some shade and moist soil.
