Rumex acetosella (Sheep's Sorrel, Red Sorrel, Sour Weed and Field Sorrel)


Botanical Information

FamilyPolygonaceae
GenusRumex
Speciesacetosella
CategoryWildflowers & Weeds
OriginNative to the British Isles but fond as an introduced species throughout the northern hemisphere.

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA common, perennial garden weed that sprouts from an aggressive rhizome. Often one of the first plant species to colonise disturbed areas. The leaves contain oxalates but are sometimes used in salads where they impart a lemony-tangy flavour. On the west coast of North America the introduced plant is host to the great copper butterfly ( Lycaena xanthoides).
CultivationThis is a difficult weed to control in the garden since it has quite a pernicious rhizomatous root system.
HabitatIt favours acidic, moist soils and is often found growing on floodplains and near marshes or swamps. It is now a very common landscape weed in fields, gardens and woodlands.
Bark/Stem DescriptionDeeply ridged, red-tinted stems.
Leaf DescriptionArrow shaped leaves.

Photographs