Sheep Sorrel - Ask Extension
I have a lot of sheep sorrel and I also see a lot of this . I have some in my hay feildas well. How do I get rid of this ? What spray would kill it? ...
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Sheep Sorrel #870770
Asked May 30, 2024, 1:22 PM EDT
I have a lot of sheep sorrel and I also see a lot of this . I have some in my hay feildas well. How do I get rid of this ? What spray would kill it? What time of year to spray it? I understand it is toxic to livestock. What happens to sheep Sorrel once it is cut and baled in my hay...is it just as toxic as when it is standing growing green and magenta? I have noticed this plant in the past , this year is horrible!!!
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Leann,
This is a response to a similar question from Gordon Jones, an extension agent with pasture expertise.
Sorrel is a fairly common weed in pastures and so long as there is plenty of other forage available, I would not worry about toxicity issues. Reports of livestock toxicity from consuming sorrel are not common.
Many common weeds appear on lists of toxic plants but as is true with much toxicology "the dose makes the poison." Turning hungry animals, unaccustomed to eating sorrel, into a paddock primarily containing sorrel might cause an issue, but a few plants scattered in an otherwise productive pasture won't be an problem.
Oxalate, the compound of concern in sorrel, is also found in high concentrations in spinach, Swiss chard, parsley, and other commonly-eaten foods. Issues do not arise for humans eating these foods so long as they make up a minor part of an otherwise balanced diet. Same holds for livestock.
Sorrel can be controlled with herbicide application in the spring. Attached is a guide with more details on control options. Always follow the label for application instructions.
This is a response to a similar question from Gordon Jones, an extension agent with pasture expertise.
Sorrel is a fairly common weed in pastures and so long as there is plenty of other forage available, I would not worry about toxicity issues. Reports of livestock toxicity from consuming sorrel are not common.
Many common weeds appear on lists of toxic plants but as is true with much toxicology "the dose makes the poison." Turning hungry animals, unaccustomed to eating sorrel, into a paddock primarily containing sorrel might cause an issue, but a few plants scattered in an otherwise productive pasture won't be an problem.
Oxalate, the compound of concern in sorrel, is also found in high concentrations in spinach, Swiss chard, parsley, and other commonly-eaten foods. Issues do not arise for humans eating these foods so long as they make up a minor part of an otherwise balanced diet. Same holds for livestock.
Sorrel can be controlled with herbicide application in the spring. Attached is a guide with more details on control options. Always follow the label for application instructions.
