Marcus, Joseph A.
Oxalis drummondii Gray
Drummond's woodsorrel, Wood-sorrel
Oxalidaceae (Wood-Sorrel Family)
This plants leaves grow from the base of the plant, with 3 leaflets about 1 inch long, notched slightly at the center of the outer edge. The leaves are cloverlike, about 2 inches across, green above and below. They fold downward, umbrella-like, at dusk or in cloudy weather. Flowers grow in clusters on leafless stems that grow from the base of the plant. Only 1 or 2 bloom at a time. They have a shallow funnel shape, ending in 5 lavender-pink to purple petals.
The species name of this plant is named for Thomas Drummond, (ca. 1790-1835), naturalist, born in Scotland, around 1790. In 1830 he made a trip to America to collect specimens from the western and southern United States. In March, 1833, he arrived at Velasco, Texas to begin his collecting work in that area. He spent twenty-one months working the area between Galveston Island and the Edwards Plateau, especially along the Brazos, Colorado, and Guadalupe rivers. His collections were the first made in Texas that were extensively distributed among the museums and scientific institutions of the world. He collected 750 species of plants and 150 specimens of birds. Drummond had hoped to make a complete botanical survey of Texas, but he died in Havana, Cuba, in 1835, while making a collecting tour of that island.
Image Gallery:
22 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Leaf Arrangement: Alternate Size Notes: 2-5
Fruit: Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Pink
Bloom Time: Sep , Oct , Nov
Distribution
USA: AZ , NM , TX
Native Habitat: Found in open grassy areas, open woodlands, and brush-lands of either calcareous or sandy soils.
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Dry
Conditions Comments: Forms small colonies and does not seem invasive like its yellow-flowered cousin Oxalis dillenii. Makes a fine addition to a short grass wildflower mix or edge of woods.
Benefit
Use Food: Add a few leaves, flowers, or green seedpods to a salad or soup as you would French Sorrel. The flavor is strong and sour, so add sparingly. Rich in vitamin C, it also contains high amounts of oxalic acid, similar to spinach, which when eaten in large amounts, may tie up calcium.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: High
Last Update: 2011-04-02
