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Summary
Physical Characteristics

Oxalis oregana is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 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: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
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].
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].
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].
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].
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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 :
Expert comment
Author
Nutt.
Botanical References
60200
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
Readers comment
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