Acetosella vulgaris
Sheep sorrel
Acetosella vulgaris (syn. Rumex acetosella), known as sheep sorrel or common field sorrel, is a circumboreal rhizomatous perennial herb widely naturalized across temperate and subtropical regions of the world. Its leaves have a characteristic arrowhead shape with two divergent basal lobes and a markedly sour taste due to high concentrations of potassium oxalate. It is a frequent pioneer on acidic, degraded, sandy, or disturbed soils, forming dense colonies through horizontal rhizomes. Flowers are small, unisexual, and reddish-brown, clustered in slender terminal panicles.
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© Kristian Peters
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Oxalidaceae |
| Genus | Acetosella |
| Growth Habit | Prostrate to erect rhizomatous perennial herb |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| pH Target | 4.5–6.5 |
| Type | Acidic, sandy to sandy-loam, nutrient-poor, well-drained soils; indicator of soil acidity |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Alternate leaves, long-petiolate at the base and sessile on upper stems. The blade is hastate to sagittate, 2–7 cm long, with two well-defined, horizontally spreading basal lobes. Bright green, smooth texture. Potassium oxalate content gives the characteristic bitter-sour taste.
ecoTiny flowers (1–2 mm), unisexual and dioecious (separate male and female plants). Greenish-yellow in male plants and reddish-brown in female plants. Arranged in loose terminal panicles 10–30 cm long. Wind-pollinated. Flowering from May to August in the Northern Hemisphere.
ecoStems erect to ascending, 10–40 cm tall, smooth or slightly ridged, green to reddish, branched in the upper portion. They emerge in clusters from the underground rhizome.
ecoHorizontal, branched rhizome system that can spread several decimeters. Slender rhizomes (2–4 mm diameter) produce numerous adventitious shoots, making the plant highly persistent and difficult to eradicate once established.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Acidic, sandy to sandy-loam, nutrient-poor, well-drained soils; indicator of soil acidity
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 In spring or autumn, extract the rhizome using a spade or garden fork.
- 2 Cut the rhizome into 5–8 cm segments, each with at least one visible node.
- 3 Plant segments 2–3 cm deep in moist, acidic substrate.
- 4 Keep substrate evenly moist until the first shoots appear (2–4 weeks).
- 1 Collect mature (brown) seeds from female plants in summer.
- 2 Sow in a tray with slightly moist acidic substrate (pH 5.0–6.0).
- 3 Cover barely with a thin layer of substrate (1–2 mm) or leave uncovered.
- 4 Maintain at 15–20 °C; germination occurs in 10–21 days.
- 5 Transplant when seedlings have 3–4 true leaves.
Use an acidic substrate (pH 4.5–6.0) enriched with peat or well-decomposed organic matter.
Not controlling rhizome expansion, turning the plant into an invasive weed in the garden.
Every 1–2 years, or when the rhizome completely fills the container.
Minimal fertilization: one annual application of mature compost or balanced slow-release fertilizer (NPK 5-5-5) in spring. Excess fertilizer reduces leaf flavor and quality.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Toxic in large quantities. Potassium oxalate can cause kidney irritation, hypocalcemia, and oxalate toxicity if consumed in large amounts. Contraindicated for persons with kidney stones or gout. In small culinary amounts it is safe for healthy adults.
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Plant Health
Root rot by Pythium spp.: in poorly drained soils with overwatering, rhizomes can rot. Improve drainage and avoid excessive irrigation.
Aphids (Myzus persicae, Aphis fabae): may colonize stems and young leaves in spring. Apply potassium soap or systemic insecticide in severe infestations.
Leaf rust (Uromyces acetosae): orange pustules on the underside of leaves. In cultivated plants, remove affected leaves and apply preventive copper-based fungicide.
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"Acetosella vulgaris is one of the most persistent weeds in meadows and crops on acidic soils due to vegetative reproduction by rhizomes and high seed production (up to 50,000 per plant). Its presence is a reliable indicator of severe soil acidity. Recent studies have identified flavonoid compounds in its leaves with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity."
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Scientific Integrity
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.