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Extension

Common Name: Violet Wood Sorrel
Species Name: Oxalis violacea
Plant Type: Forb
Family Name: Oxalidaceae, Wood Sorrel Family

 
Plant Facts 
OriginNative
DurationPerennial
Distribution in the U.S.Eastern half to the Rocky Mountains
Distribution in OklahomaThroughout the state

ID Characteristics

  • Field Identification Characteristics

    Vegetative

    • “Clover-like” leaves consisting of 3 clubs
    • Stems branch from base terminating in single leaf
    • Leaves can have purplish hues; especially on the underside

    Floral

    • Flowers pink to purple; 5-petaled
  • Leaf and Stem Characteristics
    • Leaf Type: Compound 
    • Leaf Arrangement: Basal
    • Leaf Shape: Heart-shaped
    • Stipules: Absent
  • Floral Characteristics
    • Petal Number: 5, Unfused
    • Flower Color: Purplish pink or violet 
    • Flower Timing: April-June and August to first frost
    • Fruit Type: Capsules
 
Habitat/Ecology 
Soil TypeClay, loam and sandy soils
HabitatPrairies and open forests
Successional StageLate