Also known as Common Yellow Wood-Sorrel · Common Yellow Woodsorrel · Dillen's Oxalis
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Oxalis dillenii, or Slender Yellow Woodsorrel, is a common herbaceous perennial weed. It has clover-like leaves, small yellow flowers, and spreads rapidly via explosive s
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade.
70% intensity
Moderate, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
50% intensity
Well-drained, various soil types, prefers moderately fertile.
50% intensity
Tolerates a wide range, ideal between 15-25 °C.
60% intensity
Outdoor
50% intensity
Generally not required; sparingly if growth is poor.
20% intensity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains oxalic acid, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and kidney issues if ingested in large quantities by humans or pets.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging to prevent root issues.
Established plants can tolerate some drought, but regular watering promotes healthier growth and more prolific flowering.
Reduce watering in cooler months or if the plant enters a period of dormancy, allowing the soil to dry slightly between applications.
Pruning is primarily a method of control for this often-weedy plant. Hand-pulling or hoeing individual plants before they set seed is the most effective approach to prevent its rapid spread.
Deadheading spent flowers can reduce self-seeding, though its prolific nature often makes this impractical for widespread infestations. Focus on removal rather than shaping.
Oxalis dillenii primarily propagates by its abundant seeds, which are explosively dispersed from mature capsules, allowing it to spread quickly over wide areas. Seeds germinate readily in disturbed soil.
While some Oxalis species spread by rhizomes or bulbils, O. dillenii is more typically taprooted and relies heavily on its efficient seed dispersal for reproduction.
This plant is not typically cultivated in pots as an ornamental. If it appears as a weed in another plant's container, it should be carefully removed.
Ensure all root fragments are extracted to prevent regrowth, as even small pieces can regenerate. Regular inspection of potted plants can help catch and remove Oxalis dillenii seedlings early.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Slender Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis dillenii)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Magnoliopsida |
| order | Oxalidales |
| family | Oxalidaceae |
| genus | Oxalis |
| species | Oxalis dillenii |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
