1 minute read
growing & crawling
Become a Member
Advertisement
yellow wood sorrel
If you have ever looked at the ground you have seen this month's plant. Native to North America, Yellow Wood Sorrel grows abundantly in the garden, by the sidewalk, and even sprouting out the side of stone walls. Wherever humans have disturbed the earth this plant cheerfully pops up and takes residence. Officially known as 'Oxalis Stricta ' , this pretty and abundant plant is not only edible and tasty, but also packed full of Vitamin C.
The heart-shaped leaves make Oxalis look like it is brother to clover though the two plants are in completely different families. The leaves, immature seed pods, and flowers are all edible. Biting down on one of the okra-like seed pods gives you a tangy burst of flavor. The sourness of the plant gives it the common names "sourgrass" or "pickle plant".
Since it is high in Vitamin C woodsorrel is great for treating scurvy and while is harmless in moderate amounts, one should avoid eating this plant in abundance daily because it has oxalic acid which can be bad for the kidneys.
Not only does this make a fun little snack straight from the ground, wood sorrel can be harvested and used to flavor soups and stir fries! You can even make a tasty tea by steeping it in boiling water and adding a drop of honey.
Not only is this plant edible but the flowers can be used as a dye as well!
By janet douberly
Janet Douberly is Program Coordinator at Downtown Greens. If you'd like to learn more about things growing and crawling in Fredericksburg, check out our Facebook & Instagram.
