Oxalis Wild Pink
Oxalis violacea
Characteristics
- Type: Perennial
- Family: Oxalidaceae
- Native Range: North America
- Zone: 5 – 9
- Height: 6 – 9 Inches
- Spread: 6 – 9 Inches
- Bloom Time: May
- Bloom Description: Pink
- Sun: Full Sun – Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Maintenance: Low
- Suggested Use: Herb, Naturalize
- Flower: Showy
Culture
Oxalis Wild Pink is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. A true, scale-covered bulb which should be planted in fall. Can spread somewhat rapidly by runners from the bulbs to form large colonies in optimum growing conditions.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Oxalis violacea, commonly called violet wood sorrel, is a common wildflower which occurs in dryish, acidic soils on glades, rocky open woods, fields and prairies. A bulbous, stemless perennial typically growing 4-8″ tall in which the long-stemmed leaves and longer, leafless flower stalks rise directly from the bulb. The familiar clover-like leaves have three inversely heart-shaped, often center-creased, green leaflets which are purplish beneath. Variably-colored, 5-petaled flowers (ranging from white to pink to lavender to violet) with greenish throats appear in spring. A repeat bloom will sometimes occur in the fall with the return of cooler weather. Although the leaves have a sour taste, they make a zesty and interesting addition to salads.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Garden Uses
Rock gardens, border fronts, native plant gardens or naturalized plantings.
Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder