Oxalis stricta

Identifying Features

The yellow wood-sorrel is a low-laying plant with leaves attached to a hairy stem in clusters of three that are heart-shaped and clover-like. The flower is bright yellow with five petals and a small seed pod at the center.

Habitat & Range

The yellow wood-sorrel can be found along trail-sides, fields, and woods throughout most parts of North America.

Behavior

At night, the leaves curl inwards to protect the plant from cold temperatures and open back out during the day.

Life Cycle

The yellow wood-sorrel reproduces through seeds. During early spring, the plant will emerge from the seeds and bloom during the summer in the months between May-September.

Featured image by James Dake.