PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS PLANT
Size:
- French or Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) – 12-36 inches tall and 12 inches wide
- Sheep’s Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) – 6 inches tall and indefinitely wide
- Buckler-Leaved Sorrel (Rumex scutatus) – 12 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide
Roots: Deep and fibrous, some species have a taproot; Sheep Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) has stolons (stems called “runners” that grow along the ground and produce roots, and then new plants)
Growth Rate: Medium to Fast
GROWING CONDITIONS FOR THIS PLANT
Light: Prefers full sun
Shade: Most species tolerate light shade, although some can tolerate moderate shade
Moisture: Dry to medium-moisture soils
pH: can tolerate a very wide range of soils (3.5-8.5)
Special Considerations for Growing: None
Propagation:
Typically, and easily, by seed – direct sow in Spring. Can transplant “wild” specimens. Can divide plants in Spring.
Maintenance:
None. Flowering will stop new leaf growth, so you can encourage young leaf growth by cutting off the flowering stem.
Concerns:
- Poisonous – Leaves and contain oxalic acid. Large amounts need to be eaten for this to be toxic. When cooked, much of the oxalic acid is reduced.
- Running types can be expansive – they can grow all over the place.
- Many varieties of Sorrel reseed very easily, so some consider them a bit invasive… I see this as a great trait!
Original Article Here
I’m trying to find images of what the actual seeds for french sorrel look like.
Thanks!