How to Grow Wood Sorrel

Wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) is a creeping woodland perennial in the Oxalidaceae family. It’s native to parts of Asia and most areas of Europe, including the UK. It’s used as an indicator of ancient woodland in southern and eastern England.

Traditionally called ‘Alleluia’ – a reference to the emergence of the flowers between Easter and Whitsun – wood sorrel has over 20 other common names across the UK, including ‘cuckoo sorrel’ and ‘sleeping Molly’. The genus ‘Oxalis’ comes from the Greek word for acid and refers to the sharp taste of the leaves, as does the species name ‘acetosella’ which derives from the Latin for vinegary or sour.

When wood sorrel flowers in spring it provides a source of nectar and pollen for early pollinators such as hoverflies and bees, and it’s included in the list of RHS Plants for Pollinators. It’s worth noting that plants in the Oxalis genus are poisonous to pets.

As its name suggests, wood sorrel usually grows under trees at the edge of woodlands and in hedgerows. It thrives in moist but well-drained, fertile soil in partial shade. Its delicate white spring flowers are ideal for shady banks and brightening up areas of dappled shade under deciduous trees and shrubs.

Wood sorrel grows to around 10cm in height and has trefoil leaves, meaning it’s divided into three leaflets. Each heart-shaped leaflet is fresh green but purplish on the underside. In April and May, it produces delicate five-petalled white flowers with lilac veining. These open in the daylight and fold closed at night, or when it rains.

There are several other oxalis plants which are sometimes referred to as wood sorrel, such as creeping wood sorrel or yellow oxalis (Oxalis