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Violet Wood Sorrel

Oxalis violacea

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Category
Forb / Wildflower
Sun
Full to Partial
Soil moisture
Medium-Dry to Dry
Bloom time
Apr–Jun
Bloom color
Purple
Notes
Ephemeral

About Violet Wood Sorrel

Violet Wood Sorrel is a dainty and whimsical spring ephemeral that blankets the ground with a splash of delicate color. This low-growing perennial, reaching only about four to nine inches tall, features charming, heart-shaped leaflets that resemble clover and often sport a purplish underside. In spring (April to June), it produces clusters of soft lavender to violet-purple blossoms that nod gracefully above the blue-green foliage. The leaves are known for their 'sleep movements,' folding up at night or during cloudy weather. Native to a wide range across the United States, it is found in prairies, open woodlands, and rocky glades. It thrives in full to partial sun and prefers medium-dry to dry, well-drained soils. This little gem is a favorite of native bees and other small pollinators. Because it grows from small bulbs, it can form lovely colonies over time, making it an ideal choice for rock gardens, sunny borders, or as a delicate groundcover.

Native range

Native to 41 states:

AlabamaArkansasArizonaColoradoConnecticutD.C.DelawareFloridaGeorgiaIowaIllinoisIndianaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMassachusettsMarylandMichiganMinnesotaMissouriMississippiNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNebraskaNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasVirginiaVermontWisconsinWest VirginiaWyoming

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Oxalis violacea

Range map courtesy of BONAP (Biota of North America Program).

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