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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Oxalis oregana is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Habitats
Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves
Edible Uses:
Leaves - raw or cooked[118, 183, 257]. A acid, flavour, it is especially adored by children and makes an excellent addition to mixed salads[K]. The leaves can be harvested all year round[K]. A mass of the leaves and stems can be allowed to ferment slightly when they make a tasty dessert[183]. A sort of rhubarb pie can be made from the leaf stalks[183]. The leaf stalks are very thin - you would need an awful lot for a pie[K]. Use in moderation, see notes above on toxicity. Flowers - raw[K]. A pleasant acid flavour[K].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antirheumatic Ophthalmic Poultice
A decoction of the whole plant has been used as a wash in the treatment of rheumatism[257]. The fresh juice of the plant has been used as eye drops to ease sore eyes[257]. A poultice of the wilted leaves has been used as a dressing on boils, sores and on swollen areas of the skin[257].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
A good ground cover plant for a woodland garden[197, 208], though it can be invasive[60]. It needs weeding for the first year or so[197].
Special Uses
Food Forest Ground cover
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Easily grown in a moisture-retentive humus-rich soil in shade or dappled sunlight[200]. Succeeds in dense shade[187]. Grows well in a wild or woodland garden[200]. Plants can be very invasive when in suitable conditions[60]. Plant is growing very vigorously in quite dense shade under an Elaeagnus shrub in Cornwall - it stays green all year round and is fairly productive[K]. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 9 through 7. (Plant Hardiness Zones show how well plants withstand cold winter temperatures.
Plant Heat Zones show when plants would start suffering from the heat.
The Plant Heat Zone map is based on the number of "heat days" experienced in a given area where the temperature climbs to over 86 degrees F (30°C).
At this temperature, many plants begin to suffer physiological damage. Heat Zones range from 1 (no heat days) to 12 (210 or more heat days).
For example Heat Zone. 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1.) For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread [1-2]. The root pattern is rhizomatous with underground stems sending roots and shoots along their length [1-2].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
Fahrenheit:
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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.
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Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Nutt.
Botanical References
60200
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