Oxalis stricta


Oxalis stricta, called the common yellow woodsorrel, common yellow oxalis, upright yellow-sorrel, lemon clover, or more ambiguously and informally "sourgrass" or "pickle plant", is a herbaceous plant native to North America, parts of Eurasia, and has a rare introduction in Britain. It tends to grow in woodlands, meadows, and in disturbed areas as both a perennial and annual. Erect when young, this plant later becomes decumbent as it lies down, and branches regularly. It is not to be confused with similar plants in the same genus which are also often referred to as "yellow woodsorrel".

Growth

Commonly considered a weed of gardens, fields, and lawns, it grows in full sun or shade. The alternate leaves of this plant are divided into three heart-shaped leaflets that can grow up to 2 cm wide. These leaves curl up at night, and open in the day to perform photosynthesis. The mature seed capsules open explosively when disturbed and can disperse seeds up to 4 meters away. The flowers of the plant are hermaphroditic, blooming from July to October.
O. stricta'' generally requires dry or moist, alkaline soils, preferring sandy and loamy dirt to grow in. It requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor grounds. It does not do well in shade.

Cultivation

Culinary uses

All parts of the plant are edible, with a distinct tangy flavor. However, it should only be eaten in small quantities, since oxalic acid is an antinutrient and can inhibit the body's absorption supply of calcium.
The leaves and flowers of the plant are sometimes added to salads for decoration and flavoring. These can also be chewed raw as a thirst-quencher. The green pods are pleasant raw, having a juicy crisp texture and a tartness similar to rhubarb in flavor.
The leaves can be used to make a flavored drink that is similar in taste to lemonade, and the whole plant can be brewed as herbal tea that has an aroma somewhat like that of cooked green beans.
The juices of the plant have been extracted from its greens as a substitute to common vinegar.
Oxalis stricta contains large amounts of vitamin C.

Practical uses

An orange dye can be obtained by boiling the whole plant.

Medicinal uses

A poultice of the plant has been used to treat swellings.