Also known as 'ihi · Creeping Ladies'-Sorrel · Creeping Lady's-Sorrel
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Oxalis corniculata, or Creeping Woodsorrel, is a low-growing perennial herb with clover-like leaves and small yellow flowers, commonly found as a weed worldwide.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade.
70% intensity
Prefers consistently moist soil, tolerates drought.
60% intensity
Adaptable to most soil types, prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
50% intensity
Thrives in warm conditions, tolerant of a wide range.
70% intensity
Outdoor, Greenhouse
50% intensity
Rarely needed, can apply diluted liquid fertilizer if potted.
30% intensity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains oxalic acid and soluble oxalates, which can cause irritation to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract if ingested. In large quantities, it can lead to more severe symptoms like kidney damage due to calcium oxalate crystal formation.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Creeping Woodsorrel prefers consistently moist soil, especially during active growth, but it is quite drought-tolerant once established. Water thoroughly when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch.
Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot, though this plant is generally robust. Reduce watering frequency in cooler months or if growth slows.
Pruning for Creeping Woodsorrel is primarily for control, given its aggressive spreading habit. Regularly remove unwanted plants by hand, ensuring to extract the entire taproot to prevent regrowth.
Deadheading spent flowers is crucial to prevent the explosive dispersal of seeds, a primary mode of spread.
For potted specimens, trim back any leggy or overgrown stems to maintain a desirable shape and encourage denser foliage.
Creeping Woodsorrel propagates very easily through multiple methods. It readily spreads by explosively dispersed seeds and by rooting stems (stolons) that touch the ground, forming new plants.
It can also spread via underground rhizomes. For intentional propagation, stem cuttings root quickly in moist soil. While seeds can be collected and sown, this is rarely desired due to its invasive potential.
Repotting is not a common practice for Oxalis corniculata unless it is cultivated as a contained ornamental. If grown in a pot, it benefits from annual repotting in spring.
Choose a slightly larger container and use fresh, well-draining potting mix to replenish nutrients and accommodate its fast-growing root system.
This plant can quickly become root-bound due to its vigorous spreading nature.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Creeping Woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Magnoliopsida |
| order | Oxalidales |
| family | Oxalidaceae |
| genus | Oxalis |
| species | Oxalis corniculata |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
