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A small mound of Oregon oxalis, aka redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregana). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Close up of the bright white flower of Oregon oxalis, aka redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregana). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
A mound of white-flowering Oregon oxalis, aka redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregana). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
A mound of white-flowering Oregon oxalis, aka redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregana). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
A gloved hand selects from several flats of 4" pots of Oregon oxalis (aka redwood Sorrel, Oxalis oregana). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
4" pots of Oregon oxalis, aka redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregana). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
A thick, magical groundcover of Oregon oxalis, aka redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregana) encircles a small backyard tree, interplanted with sword fern. One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Oregon oxalis plant aka Redwood Sorrel (Oxalis oregana). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Oregon oxalis plant aka Redwood Sorrel (Oxalis oregana). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.

Oregon Oxalis

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Oxalis oregana

Oregon oxalis (aka redwood sorrel) is a semi-evergreen, highly attractive ground cover ideal for woodland gardens. In shady undergrowth,  its cheerful shamrock-shaped leaves stick around for most of the year, forming delicate carpets reminiscent of fairy tales. Singular small white blooms suspend above the leaves on a slender stalk. 

  • Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous, perennial, herbaceous plant
  • Size at maturity: up to 8” tall, spreading laterally via rhizomes 
  • Light requirements: part sun/part shade, full shade
  • Moisture requirements: moist to dry soil, well-drained
  • Bloom time: March - September (generally April - May in the Portland Metro area) 
  • Growth rate/ease: medium growth rate, easy to grow
  • Wildlife support: flowers attract and provide nectar for adult butterflies, bees and other insect pollinators; overall plant is a caterpillar host and larval food source for native butterflies and moths
  • Native habitat/range: common in moist Douglas-fir and coast redwood forests from the western Cascades to the coast, from British Columbia south to California. Portland Plant List - yes. 
  • Special features & uses: groundcover; semi-evergreen; tangy leaves are edible in small quantities since they contain mildly toxic oxalic acid; landscape uses include woodland gardens and shady pollinator gardens

Gardening with Oregon Oxalis: Oxalis is ideal under conifers and other overstory trees and shrubs and can spread happily in acidic, well-drained soils that are high in organic matter. It pairs well with native ferns, salal, snowberry and countless other shade-loving small shrubs and perennials.

Photo Credits 1: Tara Lemezis, Tiny Seed Photography

Photo Credits 2 - 4, 7 - 9: Nikkie West, Sparrowhawk Native Plants

Photo Credits 5, 6: Hoddick Photography

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