Violet Wood Sorrel (Oxalis violacea)

Violet Wood Sorrel (Oxalis violacea)

Violet Wood Sorrel is a native perennial wildflower found in Wisconsin. It typically grows up to nine inches tall and usually produces five to 12 violet flowers on slender stems ranging from five to nine inches in height. The flowers are small, measuring between half an inch and three-quarters of an inch wide, with centers that range from white to pale green. 

Its distinctive three-part leaves have heart-shaped leaflets, each about an inch wide. This plant thrives in open areas within damp woods, along stream banks, and in moist prairies. It spreads underground via runners from its bulbs, forming small colonies over time. One interesting feature is that its leaves fold downward at night and on cloudy days, a characteristic shared by all wood sorrels. 

Violet Wood Sorrel plays an important role in supporting pollinators. Bees are its primary pollinators, drawn to its vibrant flowers and nectar. It is occasionally visited by butterflies. The plant also has the ability to self-pollinate, ensuring seed production even when pollinators are scarce. 

Sources:

UW–Madison Herbarium — Oxalis violacea species account

Illinois Wildflowers — Violet Wood Sorrel (Oxalis violacea)

Missouri Botanical Garden — Oxalis violacea Plant Finder

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center — Oxalis violacea profile

USDA NRCS Plants Database — Oxalis violacea species information

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