groundcoverN. America Native

Redwood Sorrel

The Story

Plant Bio

Oxalis oregana, the redwood sorrel, is a low-growing, rhizomatous, semi-evergreen groundcover native to the moist, shaded forest floors of western North America. The trifoliate, heart-shaped leaves feature a distinct purple underside and fold downward in response to direct sunlight or darkness.

The five-petaled flowers bloom singly on slender stalks, ranging from white to deep rose-pink with prominent purple veining and yellow bases. The foliage spreads via underground rhizomes to form dense, lush carpets under deep forest canopies.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a lush, dense carpet of trifoliate green leaves with striking purple undersides and delicate white-to-pink spring flowers.

Acts as an effective, low-maintenance ground cover that naturally deters deer and rabbits due to its oxalic acid content.

Provides nectar for native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and serves as a larval host for several native moth species.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

Width

60"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Western North America

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a fully shaded site with rich, acidic, humus-heavy soil that mimics a forest floor.
Amend heavy clay or sandy soils with generous amounts of compost or leaf mold to improve moisture retention.
Space plugs or rhizomes twelve to eighteen inches apart to allow the underground stolons room to spread.
Water consistently during the first growing season to establish a deep, resilient root system.

Pro Tip

Plant in deep shade and moisture-retentive, organic-rich soil; direct sunlight causes rapid leaf scorch and permanent wilting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Top-dress annually with organic leaf mold or compost to replicate natural forest litter.
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during active spring and summer growth.
Clear away dead or weather-beaten winter foliage in early spring to maintain a tidy appearance.

Don't

Do not plant in locations that receive direct afternoon sun.
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely during the establishment phase.
Do not overwater to the point of standing water, which triggers fungal root rot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Woodland Garden GroundcoverShade Border EdgingUnderstory PlantingErosion Control on Shaded Slopes

Companion Plants

Asarum caudatum Cornus unalaschkensis Polystichum munitum Dicentra formosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Redwood Sorrel questions

What zones can Redwood Sorrel grow in?

Redwood Sorrel is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Redwood Sorrel deer resistant?

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

When does Redwood Sorrel bloom?

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

Does Redwood Sorrel need full sun?

Redwood Sorrel does best in part shade.