Creeping Woodsorrel
Oxalis Corniculata
Creeping Woodsorrel
Oxalis Corniculata
Oxalis corniculata, commonly known as creeping woodsorrel, procumbent yellow sorrel, or sleeping beauty, is a small, low-growing herb that is widespread in Barbados and other tropical and subtropical regions. It often appears delicate, but it spreads easily and is commonly found in lawns, gardens, pathways, and other damp or disturbed areas.
This plant grows with thin, creeping stems that trail along the ground and readily root wherever they touch the soil. Its leaves are divided into three rounded leaflets, giving it a clover-like appearance. Most plants have green leaves, though some varieties develop deep purple foliage. At the base of each leaf stalk are tiny, barely noticeable stipules. The small yellow flowers may appear singly or in clusters and are notable for opening in sunlight and closing when light levels drop, which is why the plant is sometimes called “sleeping beauty.”
Creeping woodsorrel produces narrow seed pods that burst open when mature, flinging tiny seeds away from the parent plant and helping it spread quickly. The leaves are edible and have a sharp, lemony flavor. They are sometimes used to make a refreshing drink by steeping them in hot water and then sweetening and chilling the liquid. The plant is rich in vitamin C, but like other woodsorrels, it should be consumed in moderation, as eating large amounts over time can interfere with calcium absorption.
Order: Oxalidales
Family: Oxalidaceae
Genus: Oxalis
Species: O. corniculata
Binomial name: Oxalis corniculata
Oxalis Corniculata
Oxalis corniculata, commonly known as creeping woodsorrel, procumbent yellow sorrel, or sleeping beauty, is a small, low-growing herb that is widespread in Barbados and other tropical and subtropical regions. It often appears delicate, but it spreads easily and is commonly found in lawns, gardens, pathways, and other damp or disturbed areas.
This plant grows with thin, creeping stems that trail along the ground and readily root wherever they touch the soil. Its leaves are divided into three rounded leaflets, giving it a clover-like appearance. Most plants have green leaves, though some varieties develop deep purple foliage. At the base of each leaf stalk are tiny, barely noticeable stipules. The small yellow flowers may appear singly or in clusters and are notable for opening in sunlight and closing when light levels drop, which is why the plant is sometimes called “sleeping beauty.”
Creeping woodsorrel produces narrow seed pods that burst open when mature, flinging tiny seeds away from the parent plant and helping it spread quickly. The leaves are edible and have a sharp, lemony flavor. They are sometimes used to make a refreshing drink by steeping them in hot water and then sweetening and chilling the liquid. The plant is rich in vitamin C, but like other woodsorrels, it should be consumed in moderation, as eating large amounts over time can interfere with calcium absorption.
Order: Oxalidales
Family: Oxalidaceae
Genus: Oxalis
Species: O. corniculata
Binomial name: Oxalis corniculata
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