Wood sorrel is easy to identify by the heart-shaped leaves that grow in groupings of 3. Because of the shape of the leaves it is often compared to clover. There are a number of varieties of wood sorrel which can be found throughout the world, though flowers and leaves vary in color and size. Featured here is a small yellow flower variety with the 3 leaf, heart-shaped characteristic. I often find this plant in woodlands and prairies of Illinois.
Wood sorrel is both edible and medicinal. You can easily add a few leaves to a wild harvest salad for a bit of lemony tang or enjoy as a trail nibble. Like lemons, this plant also happens to be high in Vitamin C. Caution should be taken while eating or using wood sorrel medicinally. Over-indulgence can cause health problems.
How To Identify Wood Sorrel
✓ heart shaped leaves, groups of 3
✓ 5 petal flowers
✓ slightly hairy stem
✓ looks similar to clover
Technically speaking, each of the hearts is a leaflet, and together the three joined leaflets make up a single leaf.
Steve Schwartzman
http://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com
Thanks for the comment Steve. I have been debating whether or not to go with a technical description…. I’m still pondering on it. 🙂
I always thought these were clovers! Thanks for setting me straight. 🙂
They are very similar, aren’t they? Wood sorrel is sometimes even referred to as false shamrock. 🙂 Thanks for checking out Dirty Wormy!