Creeping Woodsorrel—Oxalis corniculata and Yellow Woodsorrel—Oxalis stricta
Serious weeds in turf, ornamental plantings, gardens and nurseries.
A perennial low-growing, creeping plant, woodsorrel grows in both full sun and shade if there is adequate moisture. Roots form along its stem where nodes contact the soil.
Leaves are three heart-shaped leaflets and range from green to purple. Flowers have 5 yellow petals, each about 1/3 inch long on the ends of slender flower stalks.
Seed pods are erect, hairy and cylindrical, 1/3 to 1 inch long. Each pod has 10 to 50 seeds, with more than 5000 seeds per plant. Plants can produce seed even when kept mowed to 1/4 inch.
Click on images to view full-size
Identification and Control Information
- Integrated Pest Management for Home Gardeners and Landscape Professionals: Creeping Woodsorrel and Bermuda Buttercup (PDF) —Includes description and managment options—University of California
- Identification Guide: Creeping Woodsorrel—Michigan State University
- Identification Guide: Yellow Woodsorrel—Michigan State University
More Information
- Guide to Controlling Weeds in Cool Season Turf (PDF) —Maryland Cooperative Extension Home & Garden
- Integrated Pest Management for Home Gardeners and Landscape Professionals: Weed Management in Landscapes (PDF) —University of California
[Photos: Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California - Davis, Bugwood.org]