Slender yellow wood-sorrel (Oxalis dillenii, Oxalis: 28 (1794))

Family: Oxalidaceae

Author: Jacq.

Bibliography: Oxalis: 28 (1794)

Year: 1794

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Oxalis

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. Canada to E. Mexico

Description

Slender yellow wood-sorrel, scientifically known as Oxalis dillenii, is a charming plant that belongs to the family Oxalidaceae. First chronicled by Jacq. in 1794, this species has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts for centuries. Its delicate, slender appearance and vibrant yellow flowers make it a distinct and recognizable member of the Oxalis genus.

Native to a wide range stretching from Central and Eastern Canada down to Eastern Mexico, Oxalis dillenii thrives in a variety of climates and conditions. This geographic spread underscores the plant’s adaptability and resilience. Often found in meadows, open woodlands, and disturbed sites, it characteristically seeks out environments where it can maximize sunlight exposure while still benefiting from nutrient-rich soils.

The slender yellow wood-sorrel is identifiable by its trifoliate leaves, which are held on slender stalks and resemble small shamrocks. This particular configuration is not just an aesthetic feature but also aids in its efficient light capture and minimizes water loss—a critical adaptation in fluctuating environments. In the blooming season, Oxalis dillenii produces small but strikingly bright yellow flowers that attract various pollinators, thereby ensuring its reproductive success.

The plant’s presence in both cultivated gardens and wild settings highlights its versatility. Gardeners often value it for its ground-covering abilities and its low-maintenance requirements. Additionally, it plays a role in local ecosystems, providing both food for pollinators and acting as a ground stabilizer in its native habitats.

Overall, the slender yellow wood-sorrel stands out not only for its beauty but also for its robust nature and ecological significance. Its widespread distribution from Canada to Mexico is a testament to its resilience and adaptability, making it a fascinating subject of study and a delightful addition to both natural and cultivated landscapes.

Common Names

Eng: common yellow woodsorrel, dillen’s oxalis, dillen’s wood-sorrel, erect wood-sorrel, gray-green wood-sorrel, slender yellow wood-sorrel, slender yellow woodsorrel, southern yellow wood-sorrel, sussex yellow-sorrel, wood-shamrock, common yellow wood-sorrel, dillenius’ wood-sorrel, grey-green wood-sorrel
Deu: dillenius’ sauerklee, dillenius-sauerklee
Lav: dilēna zaķsk
Nld: knobbelklaverzuring
Fra: oxalide de dillenius, oxalis de dillenius, oxalide de dillénius
Dan: stiv surkløver
Pol: szczawik dillena
Ces: kysli, šťavel prérijní
Fin: nurmikäenkaali
Swe: nurmikäenkaali, prärieoxalis, rosettoxalis
Hun: parlagi madársóska
Nno: skjermgaukesyre
Nob: skjermgjøkesyre
Cym: suran felen sussex
En: Slender yellow wood-sorrel, Wood-shamrock, Gray-green wood-sorrel, Erect wood-sorrel, Dillen’s wood-sorrel, Southern yellow wood-sorrel, Slender yellow woodsorrel, Common yellow woodsorrel, Dillen’s oxalis, Sussex Yellow-sorrel, Dillenius’ wood-sorrel, Common yellow wood-sorrel, Grey-green wood-sorrel
Ar: أقصليس ديليني
Cs: Šťavel prérijní, Kysli
Da: Stiv surkløver
Nl: Knobbelklaverzuring
Fi: Nurmikäenkaali
Fr: Oxalide de Dillenius, Oxalis de Dillenius, Oxalide de Dillénius, Oxalis dressé
De: Dillenius’ Sauerklee, Dillenius-Sauerklee, Dillens Sauerklee
Hu: Parlagi madársóska
It: Acetosella di Dillenius
Lv: Dilēna zaķsk
Nb: Skjermgjøkesyre
Nn: Skjermgaukesyre
Pl: Szczawik Dillena
Sv: Nurmikäenkaali, Prärieoxalis, Rosettoxalis
Cy: Suran felen Sussex

Synonyms

• Oxalis corniculata var. lyonii ((Pursh) Zucc.)
• Oxalis arborea (Anon.)
• Oxalis prostrata (Haw.)
• Oxalis stricta var. navieri ((Jord.) Nyman)
• Oxalis corniculata subsp. navieri ((Jord.) Tourlet)
• Oxalis corniculata f. diffusa (Boreau ex Fiori)
• Oxalis florida subsp. prostrata ((Haw.) Lourteig)
• Oxalis corniculata var. dillenii ((Jacq.) Trel.)
• Oxalis longepedunculata (Sennen)
• Oxalis lyonii (Pursh)
• Oxalis sanguinolaria (Raf.)
• Xanthoxalis dillenii var. piletorum ((Wiegand) Holub)
• Oxalis dillenii var. piletorum ((Wiegand) Priszter)
• Oxalis recurva var. floridana (Wiegand)
• Xanthoxalis dillenii ((Jacq.) Holub)
• Xanthoxalis lyonii ((Pursh) Holub)
• Oxalis dillenii var. radicans (Shinners)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Albania (introduced)
• Altay (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• East Aegean Is. (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Greece (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)
• Montana (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Sardegna (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• Yugoslavia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 7, 2021 by susan Rellinger-abele (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2021 by susan Rellinger-abele (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 23, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 13, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2021 by shiwani P (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2019 by Hannah Cotton (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 7, 2021 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Marcel ETIENNE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2020 by Aaron Harp (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2022 by Caw Vus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 20, 2022 by Radoslav Marinkovic (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2021 by Gina Loyd (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by san ja (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Sergey Mos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Marcel ETIENNE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2014 by EOL − andy (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Rhamos Nancy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 2, 2022 by Sergio costantini (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2891677)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:177944-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Oxalis dillenii Jacq.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Soil nutriments: 5