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Project Noah Nature School
Oxalis violacea
Violet Woodsorrel is a perennial plant similar in appearance to small clovers such as the shamrock; the plant bears violet colored flowers among three-parted leaves having heart-shaped leaflets. Wood sorrel emerges in early spring from an underground bulb, and grows to an average height of approximately 7 inches.
Native to the United States and Canada. It has a tendency to cluster in shady places in damp woods. This one was photographed at the Savannah River Bluffs Heritage Preserve in North Augusta (Aiken County, SC).
All parts of the plant are edible; flowers, leaves, stems and bulb, and has a sour juice. This plant should not be eaten in large quantities at one time because of its high concentration of "salt of lemons" or oxalic acid, which is poisonous. Moderate use should prove no harm.
Spotted on Mar 17, 2013
Submitted on Mar 22, 2013
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