Scientific Name:
Rumex acetosella
Common Name:
common sheep sorrel
Other Common Names:
field sorrell, sheep sorrell, red sorrell, dock
Synonyms:
Acetosella acetosella, Acetosella tenuifolia, Acetosella vulgaris, Rumex angiocarpus, Rumex tenuifoliu
Habit:
This perennial flowers from May through September. This plant has a woody stem and can grow from 1/2 to 2 feet in height.
Leaves:
Leaves generally develop on the basal rosette, with a few growing up on the stem. The lower leaves are egg-shaped, 1-3 inches in length. Most leaves are hairless, and grow on petioles. Both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves are covered with waxy granules.
Identifying Characteristics:
Because of the plant's tendency to accumulate soluble oxalates, it can cause fatalities in livestock.
Flower Seed Head:
Flowers develop in terminal clusters, and male and female flowers develop on separate plants. Female flowers are red to maroon in color, while male flowers are yellowish green.
Seed Fruit:
The seeds develop in a triangular achene that varies from red to maroon in color. Rough flower parts usually surround the achenes.
Where Found:
This plant prefers acidic soils, but can adapt to other conditions. It is common along roadsides, turf, and areas of poor drainage.
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Life cycle:
perennial
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Milky sap:
Not Present
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Plant type:
Herb
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Thorns:
Not Present
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Plant family:
Polygonaceae
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Leaf arrangement:
alternate
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Leaf shape:
lance;
round
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Stem hairs:
no hairs
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Ochrea:
Present
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Leaf margin:
entire
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Flower color:
red;
green
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Growth habit:
upright and nonwoody
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Stem:
round or oval
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Leaf structure:
simple
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Leaf hairs:
no hairs
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Flower symmetry:
not symmetrical
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Flower diameter:
pencil
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Root structure:
fibrous
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Leaf stalk:
longer than leaf
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