Redwood Sorrel (Oxalis oregana)

Redwood Flowers Types of Flowers Milkmaids Pink Flowering Currant Red Waxy Cap Redwood Trillium Salmonberry Swamp Lantern

Wood sorrells are found across the United States, and Redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregana) is found along the entire West Coast, north through Canada.

In the redwoods, it can grow next to a similar looking five petal, purple striped flower, the candy flower.

A quick look at the shape of the flower's leaves helps with identification. Redwood sorrel leaves are the larger version of a three-leaf clover and candy flowers have oval leaves with a pointed end.

Both plants grow close to the ground and both are edible, although sorrell leaves have a more acidic taste.

A close up comparison of the flowers further differentiates them. Redwood sorrel have ten white stamen and the candy flower has five stamen, shaded in a pink or purple hue similar to the color of the stripes on the petals.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels