Family: Oxalidaceae
Author: Savigny
Bibliography: J.B.A.M.de Lamarck, Encycl. 4: 686 (1798)
Year: 1798
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Oxalis
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Brazil to N. Argentina
Description
Shamrock oxalis, scientifically known as Oxalis articulata, is a charming herbaceous plant that captures the attention of many garden enthusiasts and botanists alike. Classified under the family Oxalidaceae, this delightful species shares its lineage with other members of its genus known for their distinct trifoliate leaves.
Native to South America, specifically ranging from southern Brazil to northern Argentina, Shamrock oxalis thrives in mild and temperate climates. It has adapted well to various environments, often observed growing in meadows, fields, and even urban settings where it can sometimes flourish as an ornamental groundcover. The plant’s geographical span offers insight into its resilience and versatility in different soil types and conditions.
This perennial is particularly noted for its attractive foliage and delicate blooms. The leaves of Shamrock oxalis are notably reminiscent of a shamrock, consisting of three heart-shaped leaflets that are a vivid green. These leaves sometimes close at night or in bright sunlight, a movement known as nyctinasty, which adds a dynamic element to its appearance.
Flowers of the Shamrock oxalis are where the plant truly shines. Typically blooming during the warmer months, the blossoms present a radiant display of pink to purplish hues, though white variants are also known. Each flower is comprised of five petals that create a soft, appealing display against the lush background of its foliage. These vibrant flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to the ecological diversity of their habitats.
Oxalis articulata is not just admired for its aesthetic qualities but also for its ease of care. It appreciates moderate watering and partial to full sunlight, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet visually appealing plants. The plant can spread quite readily under suitable conditions, which is favorable for ground cover purposes but something to monitor in managed gardens to prevent it from becoming invasive.
Historically, the species was documented by J.B.A.M.de Lamarck in 1798, an acknowledgment of its longstanding presence and significance. The authoritative classification by Savigny further underscores its established botanical identity.
In summary, Shamrock oxalis (Oxalis articulata) embodies a wonderful blend of beauty and hardiness. Its enchanting trifoliate leaves and vibrant blossoms can enhance the aesthetic of any garden while requiring minimal care. This species’ adaptability and charm make it a beloved choice for both amateur gardeners and seasoned horticulturists.
Common Names
Ita: acetosella
Fra: oxalide articulée, oxalis articulée
Eng: pink-sorrel, windowbox woodsorrel, jointed woodsorrel, large-leaf wood-sorrel, pink shamrock, purple wood-sorrel, shamrock oxalis, sour-grass, pink oxalis
Deu: rosafarbener sauerklee
Dan: rosenrød surkløver
Swe: lyckoklöver
Nld: knolklaverzuring
Cym: suran ruddgoch, suran y coed rhuddgoch
En: Shamrock oxalis, Large-leaf wood-sorrel, Sour-grass, Pink shamrock, Pink-sorrel, Purple wood-sorrel, Pink Sorrel, Windowbox woodsorrel, Jointed woodsorrel, Pink Oxalis
Ca: Pa de cucut articulat
Zh: 关节酢浆草
Da: Rosenrød surkløver
Nl: Knolklaverzuring
Fi: Rusokäenkaali
Fr: Oxalide articulée, Oxalis articulée, Oxalis articulé
De: Rosafarbener Sauerklee
It: Acetosella rizomatosa, Acetosella
Ja: Imo-katabami
Fa: شبدر ترشک صورتی
Sv: Lyckoklöver
Cy: Suran ruddgoch, Suran y Coed Rhuddgoch
Synonyms
- Oxalis sericea (Arechav.)
- Oxalis glandulosa (Larrañaga)
- Oxalis arechavaletae (Herter)
- Oxalis floribunda var. alba (Vilm.)
- Oxalis halophila (Arechav.)
- Oxalis dumicola (Arechav.)
- Oxalis rivalis (Arechav.)
- Acetosella rubra ((A.St.-Hil.) Kuntze)
- Acetosella platensis ((A.St.-Hil. & Naudin) Kuntze)
- Oxalis monticola var. sericea (R.Knuth)
- Oxalis pseudostipulata (Arechav.)
- Oxalis articulata subsp. nodulosa (Beauverd & Felipp.)
- Oxalis articulata var. hirsuta (Progel)
- Oxalis articulata f. halophila ((Arechav.) Osten ex R.Knuth)
- Oxalis articulata f. guttata ((Arechav.) Osten ex R.Knuth)
- Oxalis martii (G.Lodd.)
- Oxalis articulata f. crassipes ((Urb.) Lourteig)
- Oxalis lasiopetala var. pubescens (Progel)
- Oxalis racemosa (Savigny)
- Oxalis lasiophylla (A.St.-Hil. & Naudin)
- Oxalis platensis (A.St.-Hil. & Naudin)
- Oxalis guttata (Arechav.)
- Oxalis articulata subsp. floribunda ((Lehm.) B.Bock)
- Oxalis lasiandra (Graham)
- Oxalis articulata subsp. sericea (Progel)
- Oxalis canterae (Arechav.)
- Acetosella articulata ((Savigny) Kuntze)
- Oxalis rubra (A.St.-Hil.)
- Oxalis tubistipula (Steud. ex F.Phil.)
- Oxalis articulata var. sericea (Progel)
- Oxalis articulata subsp. rubra ((A.St.-Hil.) Lourteig)
- Oxalis chilensis (Pers.)
- Oxalis crassipes (Urb.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Albania (introduced)
- Algeria (introduced)
- Arkansas (introduced)
- Azores (introduced)
- Bolivia (introduced)
- Bulgaria (introduced)
- California (introduced)
- East Aegean Is. (introduced)
- Ecuador (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- France (introduced)
- Georgia (introduced)
- Germany (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Greece (introduced)
- Iran (introduced)
- Ireland (introduced)
- Italy (introduced)
- Japan (introduced)
- Korea (introduced)
- Kriti (introduced)
- Libya (introduced)
- Louisiana (introduced)
- Mississippi (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- Norway (introduced)
- Oklahoma (introduced)
- Oregon (introduced)
- Portugal (introduced)
- South Carolina (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- Tasmania (introduced)
- Texas (introduced)
- Turkey (introduced)
- Virginia (introduced)
- Yugoslavia (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken May 18, 2018 by Joël Langlais (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 2, 2019 by Hannah Cotton (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Mar 16, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Errol Vela (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2020 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2020 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 25, 2021 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 8, 2020 by Serge Fournier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 23, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 20, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 11, 2022 by Sastre Oriol (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 14, 2022 by full_spectrum (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 11, 2022 by Sastre Oriol (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 19, 2019 by Emilie Corlay (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 22, 2017 by roni (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 30, 2020 by Jade Pasquini (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 19, 2021 by Phil Hopkin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 9, 2021 by MARC Martinet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2021 by Mylène Chevreux (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 3, 2021 by slipperwoman (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2022 by John Sycorax (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 17, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 17, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2891664)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:374673-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Oxalis articulata Savigny)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 6.5
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 4
Soil nutriments: 6