is this wood sorrel and is it invasive? - Ask Extension
Hello Is it possible to confirm if this plant (in our mulched areas if this is invasive or not? One of the plant apps said that it "may"be a wood sor...
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is this wood sorrel and is it invasive? #867406
Asked May 07, 2024, 11:44 AM EDT
Hello
Is it possible to confirm if this plant (in our mulched areas if this is invasive or not? One of the plant apps said that it "may"be a wood sorrel so it would help if you can confirm. The plant has mix of green and dark brown leaves so i cannot tell if they're same plant or different. It is all over my backyard (around mulch, etc) but i cannot figure if it should be removed, etc (i tried weeding a few segments but they do not seem easy to weed out).
Thank you!
-jay
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Hello Jay,
Both color forms are woodsorrel, yes, though we can't tell which exact species they are among the several yellow-flowered ones that occur in Maryland. Woodsorrel are in the genus Oxalis, and while Maryland is home to a few native and a few non-native species of Oxalis (which can be very difficult to tell apart), none are regarded as invasive. They are exceptionally common weeds in nursery pots and gardens, and likely wind-up in home landscapes from purchased or traded plants. While a nuisance given their aggressive propensity to spread via popping seed capsules and running stems that root as they creep, it's up to you if you want to remove them or let them stay.
Miri
Both color forms are woodsorrel, yes, though we can't tell which exact species they are among the several yellow-flowered ones that occur in Maryland. Woodsorrel are in the genus Oxalis, and while Maryland is home to a few native and a few non-native species of Oxalis (which can be very difficult to tell apart), none are regarded as invasive. They are exceptionally common weeds in nursery pots and gardens, and likely wind-up in home landscapes from purchased or traded plants. While a nuisance given their aggressive propensity to spread via popping seed capsules and running stems that root as they creep, it's up to you if you want to remove them or let them stay.
Miri
Miri,
I appreciate your response. They seem out of place in some areas than others so it's good to know that i can leave it as is. Thank you!!
You're welcome!
