How to Grow Redwood Sorrel

Redwood Sorrel

Oxalis oregana

herb

Redwood sorrel is a shade-loving groundcover native to the Pacific Northwest, characterized by clover-like trifoliate leaves with a distinctive reddish or purplish undersides. It produces delicate white or pale pink flowers and thrives in moist, shaded forest environments. This low-growing plant is prized for its ornamental foliage and edible, tart leaves.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial to full shade; prefers 2-4 hours of indirect light or dappled sunlight

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Water: Consistently moist soil; prefers high humidity and regular moisture without waterlogging. Benefits from frequent misting in drier climates

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Spacing: 6-12 inches

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Days to maturity: Establishes as groundcover in 60-90 days from transplants

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Planting depth: Surface sow seeds or plant rhizomes 1-2 inches deep

Soil

Type: Rich, well-draining organic soil with high humus content

pH: 5.5-6.5

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss Leaf mold Aged bark mulch

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 8-9, particularly in maritime climates with cool, moist conditions

8a 8b 9a 9b

Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny seedlings with first trifoliate leaves emerging; very delicate and requiring high humidity

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; maintain 80%+ humidity; provide bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun

Establishment

4-8 weeks

Young plants developing stronger root systems and establishing runners; leaves show characteristic clover shape with reddish undertones

Maintain consistent moisture; gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions if greenhouse-grown; apply leaf mold mulch; maintain shade

Vegetative Growth

3-6 months ongoing

Spreading groundcover with dense foliage forming low mats; leaves fully developed with prominent reddish coloration on undersides

Water regularly; maintain cool, moist conditions; provide dappled shade; avoid drought stress; fertilize lightly with balanced organic fertilizer monthly

Flowering

4-8 weeks (typically spring to early summer)

Delicate white, cream, or pale pink flowers appear above foliage; flowers have five petals with darker veining

Maintain moisture during flowering; provide adequate humidity; light fertilization supports continued blooms; avoid disturbance

Mature Groundcover

Ongoing for years

Fully established dense mat of foliage with regular flowering; plant self-sustains and spreads via rhizomes

Maintain consistent moisture and humidity; divide every 2-3 years if needed; remove dead leaves; sustain shade conditions

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hellebores Heuchera Hosta Ferns Moss Bleeding heart Tiarella Astilbe

Avoid planting near:

Full sun perennials Drought-tolerant plants Deep-rooting shrubs that compete for moisture

Common Pests

Increase humidity and misting; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil if severe
and
Handpick in early morning or evening; maintain drier leaf surface with good air circulation; use copper barriers
Ensure proper drainage; avoid waterlogging; improve air circulation; remove affected plants; use well-draining soil

Uses

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Tangy Salad Green & Garnish

Culinary

The tart, lemony leaves add bright flavor to salads, sandwiches, and soups. Young leaves are particularly tender and pleasant, with a oxalic acid-driven sour taste similar to sorrel or sour grass. [source]

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Herbal Infusions & Tea

Culinary

Dried or fresh leaves brew into a refreshing, mildly tart tea with a pleasantly lemony flavor. Traditionally used by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. [source]

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Traditional Remedy

Medicinal

Pacific Northwest indigenous peoples used redwood sorrel to treat digestive ailments and provide vitamin C. Modern herbalists value it for potential antioxidant properties, though it should be consumed in moderation due to oxalic acid content. [source]

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Shade Garden Groundcover

Ornamental

Its attractive clover-like foliage with reddish undersides and delicate flowers make it an excellent ornamental choice for forest gardens, woodland shade gardens, and moist shaded borders. [source]

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Native Plant for Ecosystems

Wildlife

Supports native insects and pollinators in Pacific Northwest gardens; provides food and habitat structure for small invertebrates; helps restore native plant communities. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest leaves year-round once plant is established (3+ months old). Pinch or snip young leaves in morning for best flavor and tartness. Harvest no more than 1/3 of foliage at one time. Leaves are most tender and flavorful in spring and early summer. Use fresh immediately or dry for later use.

Fun Facts

🌱 Redwood sorrel is endemic to old-growth redwood and coastal temperate rainforests of northern California and southern Oregon, forming a verdant carpet on the forest floor in these ancient ecosystems.
🌱 The plant's name 'sorrel' comes from Old French 'surelle' (sour), referring to its characteristic lemony-tart flavor from oxalic acid—the same compound that makes rhubarb leaves toxic in large quantities.
🌱 Oxalis species exhibit nyctinasty, a circadian movement where leaflets fold downward at night or in response to light changes, believed to be a water conservation strategy.

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