Wood-Sorrel

Oxalis acetocella.

Wood-sorrel is a hardy, perennial plant; growing naturally in woods, in cool and shaded situations. The leaves are radical, inversely heart-shaped, and produced three together at the extremity of quite a long stem, or petiole; the flower-stalk is entirely leafless, and supports a solitary bell-shaped flower, the petals of which are white, finely lined or striped with purple; the seed-vessels are of an oblong form, five-angled, and, when ripe, burst open by the touch, in the manner of those of the Impatiens noli me tangere, or Common Balsam, of the flower-garden; the seeds are quite small, and of a reddish-brown color.

The flowers are produced in May and June, and the seeds ripen in July.

Propagation and Culture.—It may be propagated either by seeds or by dividing the roots. The soil should be rich and moist; and the seeds may be sown in April or May, in shallow drills ten or twelve inches apart; or the roots may be divided in spring or autumn, and set in rows the same distance asunder.

Use.—The leaves possess a pleasant, acid taste; and are mixed with salads, to which they impart an agreeable, refreshing flavor. The plant is considered one of the most valuable of all vegetables cultivated for their acid properties.