Oxalis is a low growing herb that is also known as the shamrock plant, iron cross, sourgrass, or wood clover. It is often sold to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, but it is not a true Irish shamrock because it is technically not clover. Though, oxalis is in the same family as clover and resembles it. This herb grows in mounds and bears small yellow, pink or white flowers. The leaves and flowers are edible.
The oxalis plant has many symbolic meanings. To some it represents happiness and wellness in the home. The plant is also said to represent rest and family unity. Others believe that oxalis has healing powers. A vase of oxalis flowers placed near a sick person is said to help the person recover.
Types of Oxalis
Many people become familiar with oxalis because it is sold in supermarkets or in garden centers as a decorative houseplant for Saint Patrick’s Day. The varieties most often sold for this purpose are Iron Cross and Purple Shamrock. Oxalis foliage is very pretty and some varieties have leaves that are entirely or partly purple. These types are easy to grow and not invasive if the gardener later decides to plant them outdoors.
Wood Sorrel
A different kind of oxalis, known as wood sorrel, is very invasive. This type is a bulb and spreads by making offset bulbs or runners. It spreads quickly in the garden and can choke out other plants. Wood sorrel has even been known to create problems in greenhouses as the runners spread out of the pots and take root among other plants. Once established, this plant can be hard to eradicate. To effectively get rid of it dig up the bulbs and look for as much of the remains as possible in the soil. In order to make growing oxalis easier it is best to simply buy the noninvasive kinds and leave wood sorrel to grow in the wild.
How to Grow Oxalis
Oxalis is easy to grow indoors. Southern exposure is best for oxalis. It likes bright sun. If the plant looks lanky it needs more sunlight. More light brings more flowers but the plant can tolerate light shade. When watering oxalis, add just enough water so that the soil is just moistened and not too wet. If the leaves yellow the plant is being over watered.
The oxalis plant can go dormant during the summer. At some point the leaves may drop. Stop watering the oxalis and place in a cool dark spot. After a couple of months begin checking it for signs of life and move it again into the sun and begin watering once new growth sprouts.
Oxalis, when grown outdoors, looks lovely in window boxes or as a border. Plant the tiny bulbs or potted plant in well drained soil. The bulbs should be planted about 1 ½ inches deep and three to four inches apart. It doesn’t matter which end of the oxalis bulb is up as it will grow no matter how it is placed. The plant will flower about eight to ten weeks after it is planted. Propagate the oxalis by digging and separating the plants in the early spring.
Uses for Oxalis
Oxalis is used in both herbal medicine and in cooking. The leaves are sour tasting and have been likened to lemon. Some people believe that the oxalis herb can quell fever when made into a tea. Some also believe that an ointment made from it can help cuts, rashes and skin infections. To use oxalis, pluck off the woody stems and add the tender leaves to salads or add them to food as with any other herb. It is said to compliment fish or anything that goes well with other lemon flavored herbs.
Resources
Oxalis (Wood Clover)
Catherine Mezensky - Catherine A. Mezensky is a writer and artist living in Baltimore Maryland. Her topics include gardening, film, culture and local history. ...
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