Wood sorrel, also called oxalis or sourgrass, is a tasty trailside snack. The flavor is remarkably similar to green apples and can be a nice addition to sprinkle a few leaves on a salad. Be careful not to eat too many as the oxalic acid can have a negative impact. Carpets of oxalis are found in many areas of Silver Falls.
This 3-leaved ground cover is often misidentified as a clover but it is not: Look for the heart, wood sorrel has heart-shaped leaves, whereas clover have rounded and toothed leaves. The flowers on each plant look very different from each other.
- Rarity: Common
- Flowering Time: All Spring And Summer
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Height: 2-8 inches
- Habitat: Coastal, West-Side Forest
- Native: Yes
Sources: Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon Flora Project
