Oxalis violacea

Oxalis violacea
Violet wood-sorrel
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Oxalidales
Family: Oxalidaceae
Genus: Oxalis
Species: O. violacea
Binomial name
Oxalis violacea
L.
Synonyms
  • Ionoxalis violacea (L.) Small
  • Oxalis violacea L. var. trichophora Fassett
  • Sassia violacea (L.) Holub

Oxalis violacea, the violet wood-sorrel, is a perennial plant and herb in the Oxalidaceae family.[1] Oxalis species are also known as sour grass, sour trefoil, and shamrock.

Distribution

It is native plant in much of the United States, from the Rocky Mountains east to the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico coasts, and through Eastern Canada. It has a tendency to cluster in open places in damp woods and on stream banks, and in moist prairies.[1]

The plant is listed as a threatened or endangered species in five eastern U.S. states.[2]

Description

Oxalis violacea emerges in early spring from an underground bulb, and grows to an average height of approximately 7 inches. The three-part leaves have heart-shaped leaflets. It is similar in appearance to small clovers such as the shamrock.

The plant bears violet colored flowers above the foliage, during April, May, and June.

Uses

Medicinal

Oxalis violacea was used as a medicinal plant by Native Americans, including the Cherokee and Pawnee peoples.[3]

Culinary

All parts of the plant are edible; flowers, leaves, stems, and bulb. Oxalis is from the Greek word meaning sour, and this plant has a sour juice. It is used in salads. Moderate use of plant is advisable, as it should not be eaten in large quantities due to a high concentration of oxalic acid, ("salt of lemons") which can be poisonous.[4]

It was a traditional food source of the Native American Apache, Cherokee, Omaha, Pawnee, and Ponca peoples.[3]

Cultivation

Oxalis violacea is cultivated as an ornamental plant, for use as a flowering groundcover or perennial plant in traditional and native plant gardens, and for natural landscaping projects.[5] It spreads rapidly by runners and bulbs.[6] In gardens the plant prefers partial shade and moisture.[6]

References

External links

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