Common Sorrel

Common Sorrel is a short to tall acid-tasting perennial, native in a wide range of grassy places. This species has dioecious plants with established populations potentially containing twice as many female plants as male.

Uses

Common sorrel is an early flowering species that adds colour to any area. It is very popular with the Small Copper butterfly which lay their eggs on the plant.

Persistence

This is a hardy and adaptable species. It sets seed from June to September with around 2000 seeds per plant and is pollinated by wind. It is particularly deep rooted so able to resist herbicides, it may be persistant in re-seeded hay meadows.

Strengths

Common Sorrel is very easy to start from seed

Frost Tolerance

Common Sorrel is a very cold-hardy plant and this hardy perennial is able to tolerate frosts and winter temperatures.

Ideal Sowing Time

It is possible to plant this at any time of year.

Distinguishing characteristics

Seed
Common sorrel seeds are brown and incredibly tiny.

Flowering Plant
Leaves are arrow-shaped and are 2-6 times long as wide. The lobes at the base are pointing backwards and the upper clasping the stem. The flowerheads branch out from the top of the stem.

Additional Info

Flowers May-August Common Sorrel is often described as having a strong, sweet citrusy smell and some say it tastes similar to apple peel.

Works well with

Common buttercup and meadow buttercup.

You can find Common Sorrel in the following mixtures

• Acid & Clay Soil Mixture
• Damp Meadow
• Woodland Edge and Shady Area Mixture

History

Previously the juice from Common Sorrel has been used to remove tough stains in laundry.