The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: violet wood-sorrel

Family: Oxalidaceae (wood-sorrel family)

Distribution: e.-c. and e. United States

Life form: Herbaceous perennial

Comments: Violet wood-sorrel often grows in masses in moist woods or prairies, and on streambanks. It blooms in early spring, producing clusters of bright lavender to pinkish purple flowers. The eye of the flower is usually a deeper purple and the five petals are like wide lobes. The leaves resemble clovers, as they are comprised of three leaflets that are gray green above and reddish-purple below. At night and in cloudy weather, the leaves fold downward. The genus name, Oxalis, is from the Greek word "oxys" meaning "sour," referring to the taste of the leaves, which can make a zesty addition to salads in moderation. The sour juice of this plant was the reason it was a traditional food source and medicinal herb for several Native American tribes. Bees are the primary pollinators of this plant.