Wood-sorrel

Common Name: Wood-sorrel

Latin Name: Oxalis acetosalla

Family: Oxalidaceae

Wood-sorrel is a spring flowering herb predominantly found in woodlands, hedgerows and other shady and often moist locales. The trefoil clover-like leaves and dainty solitary flowers are sensitive to weather conditions. The leaves fold back during inclement weather and during the night. The flowers also droop in adverse conditions and during the evening to help protect the pollen.

The plant has many synonyms including bread-and-cheese; fairy bells; and salt cellar. These names are probably testament to its previous popularity as a salad vegetable. However, the plant contains large quantities of oxalic acid which is poisonous in large quantities. Another name often used is alleluia; this is in reference to the flowering period which falls between Easter and Whitsun.

Wood-sorrel is a common component of Dales woodland and can often be seen in the spring time, including in Freeholders' Wood Local Nature Reserve (Wensleydale), Cleatop Wood Local Nature Reserve (Ribblesdale), Oxenber and Wharfe Woods (near Crummuckdale) and Grass Wood and Bastow Wood (Wharfedale).