Yellow Wood Sorrel (Oxalis stricta): A Common Wildflower

Yellow wood sorrel is a widespread native annual or perennial with clover-like leaves and bright yellow, five-petaled flowers. Often considered a weed in lawns, it's also valued for its edible, tangy leaves and seed pods, which add a lemony flavor to salads.

Botanical Profile

This adaptable plant grows in sun or shade, in disturbed soils, gardens, and sidewalk cracks. Its seed capsules explode when ripe, dispersing seeds widely. While sometimes invasive, it supports pollinators and has a long history of culinary and medicinal use.