Yellow Oxalis (Oxalis corniculata): An Aggressive Weed to Control Early

Yellow oxalis (yellow wood sorrel) is a pervasive perennial weed across North America. Thriving in sun or shade, it spreads rapidly by seed. Seedlings start with a taproot, quickly developing a shallow, knitted root system. Tiny yellow flowers produce elongated capsules that shoot seeds up to 6 feet.

Control Strategies

Dig small plants before they set seed. Maintain vigorous lawns for competition; water deeply but infrequently (shallow watering encourages this shallow-rooted weed). For chemical control: pre-emergence herbicides with oryzalin or pendimethalin prevent germination; spot-treat with glyphosate, avoiding desirable plants.