Useful Nova Scotia Plants
Plants
Wood-sorrel
Common name
Wood-sorrelLatin name
Oxalis speciesCharacters
Our wood-sorrels are delicate plants with mostly basal leaves, which are heart-shaped and often folded. They resemble shamrocks Flowers are five-parted with yellow or white petals. The white-petalled species has pinkish nectar guides. Stamens are in two whorls with the inner ones shorter. Fruits are capsules.
Habit
HerbEdible Portion
LeavesHabitat
Yellow-flowered species are found on open soils, clearings where the soil is damp and old gardens. White flowered species is native and found in colonies in forested settings where the soil is damp and coolGeography
Common
Used For
Leaves are tasty as a snack or used sparingly in salad.
Cautions
Contain oxalic acid, not agreeable to all. Eat sparingly.
