Description
Red sorrel (Rumex acetosella) is a perennial that is common in pastures, turf and nursery crops. It is found in areas that have low nitrogen levels in the soil and poor drainage. The leaves have a very bitter taste that resembles sour apples, and can be fatal to livestock when eaten in large quantities. The mature leaves of red sorrel have a very unique arrowhead shape, and form a rosette.
Cultural Control
Perennial broadleaf turf weeds are capable of living more than two years. They thrive in weak, thin turf; golf fairways and roughs; home lawns; playfields; and industrial grounds. Proper turf maintenance is the key to control of this weed. First, select adapted turfgrass cultivars for your area and then properly fertilize, mow, and water to encourage dense growth.
Species Data
- GROWTH SEASON / LIFE CYCLE
- perennial weed
- GROWTH HABIT
- LEAFLET NUMBER
- one
- LEAF MARGIN
- smooth
- LEAF HAIRS
- none
- LEAF / LEAFLET SHAPE
- LEAF WIDTH
- 1 - 2 inches
- LEAF ARRANGEMENT
- ROOT TYPE
- taproot
Figure 13
- taproot
- FLOWER COLOR
- yellowish - green (male flowers) or red (female flowers)
Figure 1. Red sorrel growth habit.
Figure 2. Red sorrel growth habit.
Figure 3. Red sorrel growth habit.
Figure 4. Red sorrel growth habit.
Figure 5. Red sorrel growth habit.
Figure 6. Red sorrel growth habit.
Figure 7. Red sorrel growth habit.
Figure 8. Red sorrel growth habit.
Figure 9. Red sorrel leaflet shape.
Figure 10. Red sorrel leaflet shape.
Figure 11. Red sorrel leaf arrangement.
Figure 12. Red sorrel leaf arrangement.
Figure 13. Red sorrel root type.
Publication date: Nov. 27, 2017
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