NC State Extension Publications

Description

Skip to Description

Yellow woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta) is an herbaceous perennial common in greenhouse and turf situations. It is most recognizable due to the heart-shaped leaflets that are found three to a leaf. The plant has a shallow taproot, and hairy stems that are 4 to 10 inches tall. Flowers are bright yellow, have five petals, and bloom in early spring (March to April). The fruit is a narrow capsule 12 to 1 inch long. The supporting stalk bends just below the capsule.

Cultural Control

Skip to 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

Skip to Species Data
Yellow woodsorrel against black background with measurement markings

Figure 1. Yellow woodsorrel growth habit.

photo of yellow woodsorrel in soil (low-growing plant)

Figure 2. Yellow woodsorrel growth habit.

Yellow woodsorrel against black background with measurement markings

Figure 3. Yellow woodsorrel growth habit.

Yellow woodsorrel shown growing outdoors, low to to the ground

Figure 4. Yellow woodsorrel growth habit.

Yellow woodsorrel leaflet on black background with measurement markings

Figure 5. Yellow woodsorrel leaflet shape.

Several Yellow woodsorrel leaflets on black background with measurement markings

Figure 6. Yellow woodsorrel leaflet shape.

Yellow woodsorrel plant outdoors

Figure 7. Yellow woodsorrel leaflet shape.

Yellow woodsorrel against black background with measurement markings

Figure 8. Yellow woodsorrel leaflet shape.

Yellow woodsorrel with yellow flower against black background with measurement markings

Figure 9. Yellow woodsorrel flower color.

Yellow woodsorrel outdoors with yellow flowers

Figure 10. Yellow woodsorrel flower color.

Yellow woodsorrel outdoors with yellow flowers

Figure 11. Yellow woodsorrel flower color.

Yellow woodsorrel outdoors with yellow flowers

Figure 12. Yellow woodsorrel flower color.

Yellow woodsorrel against black background with measurement markings

Figure 13. Yellow woodsorrel flower color.

Author

Extension Specialist (Turfgrass/Forage Crop Weed Mgt)
Crop & Soil Sciences

Find more information at the following NC State Extension websites:

Publication date: Nov. 29, 2017

N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status.