creeping woodsorrel
Family
OxalidaceaeScientific Name
Oxalis corniculata
Other Common Names:
ihi
creeping oxalis
creeping woods
oxalis
yellow oxalis
yellow wood sorrel
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Oxalis repens
Oxalis langloisii
Xanthoxalis langloisii
Oxalis villosa
Acetosella corniculata
Xanthoxalis corniculata
Xanthoxalis repens
Oxalis pusilla
Habit
This erect perennial can be found flowering during most of the year. It may act as a summer annual in cooler climates.
Leaves
The alternate leaves are composed of three heart-shaped leaflets. They can range in color from green to purple. The leaf margins can be fringed with hairs.
Identifying Characteristics
When exposed to full sunlight, or drought conditions, the leaves will turn reddish and wilt. The stems are hairy and are usually green, but can be pink.
Flower Seed Head
The yellow flowers form in clusters on slender stalks. The flowers generally grow in clusters of 1-5 and have 5 petals.
Seed Fruit
Seeds come from angulated, cylindrical, hairy seedpods, resembling okra. The seedpods can grow from 1/3 to 1 inch in length. Each pod may contain from 10-50 seeds, and when ripe, will expel them with great force up to 13 feet away. Because of the rough surface of the seeds, they tend to adhere to surfaces they encounter.
Where Found
This plant can be found growing in shady areas or in full sunlight if there is enough moisture.
Growth Habit
prostrate and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
pencil,
dime,
nickle
Dominant Flower Color
yellow
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Shape
heart
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Structure
trifoliate
Leaf Stalk
longer than leaf
Stem Hairs
has hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
taproot
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb