bulb corm tuber

Broadleaf Woodsorrel

Oxalis latifolia

The Story

Plant Bio

Oxalis latifolia, known as broadleaf woodsorrel, is a stemless perennial herb arising from small, scaly ovoid bulbs and spreading via underground stolons. The trifoliate leaves feature distinctive fishtail-shaped leaflets that fold downward along the midrib at night or under heavy shade.

This species is distinguished by its clusters of five to twelve pink-to-purple flowers with white centers, held on long stalks above the foliage. It spreads aggressively in warm climates through the rapid production of numerous tiny daughter bulbils beneath the soil surface.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces delicate pink-to-purple flowers that open in bright sunlight above unique, fishtail-shaped foliage.

Highly resistant to deer and rabbit browsing due to the high oxalic acid content in its tissues.

Provides nectar for small native bees and other generalist pollinating insects during the spring and summer.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

12"

Width

18"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Mexico, Central America, South America

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested in large quantities

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with moist, well-drained loamy soil in full sun to partial shade.
Plant the small ovoid bulbs 2 to 3 inches deep in early spring once frost risks subside.
Water moderately during the active spring and summer growing seasons, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Clear away dead foliage in late fall as the plant enters dormancy, and withhold water while the bulbs rest.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting this species in open garden beds where it can quickly become an eradication challenge; restrict it to containers or isolated paved areas to prevent the underground bulbils from spreading.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in containers with drainage holes to restrict aggressive underground spreading.
Provide bright sunlight to encourage the flowers to open fully during the day.
Clear dead foliage during winter dormancy to maintain a clean planting area.

Don't

Do not plant in uncontained garden borders where eradication is difficult.
Do not over-fertilize, as excess nutrients stimulate vigorous bulbil production rather than flowers.
Do not overwater during winter dormancy, which can rot the underground bulbs.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Container GardeningRock GardensGroundcover

Companion Plants

Viola pedata Houstonia caerulea Carex pensylvanica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Broadleaf Woodsorrel questions

What zones can Broadleaf Woodsorrel grow in?

Broadleaf Woodsorrel is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Broadleaf Woodsorrel deer resistant?

Yes — Broadleaf Woodsorrel is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Broadleaf Woodsorrel bloom?

Broadleaf Woodsorrel typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Broadleaf Woodsorrel need full sun?

Broadleaf Woodsorrel does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Broadleaf Woodsorrel drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Broadleaf Woodsorrel handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.