Rumex acetosella aka Field Sorrel

Taxonomy ID: 13275

Rumex acetosella, also known as red sorrel, sheep's sorrel, field sorrel and sour weed, is a common perennial weed in Eurasia and the British Isles. It has green arrowhead-shaped leaves and red-tinted deeply ridged stems, and it sprouts from an aggressive and spreading rhizome. The flowers emerge from a tall, upright stem and female flowers are maroon in color. In North America, it can be found primarily in open, disturbed soils of roadsides and degraded fields and prairies. It is often confused with Green Sorrel, which is a larger plant with bigger flowers and fruits, and much larger leaves with basal lobes that point downward. Despite being a weed, Sheep Sorrel has some uses. Its leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and they have a lemony, tangy or rhubarb-like tart flavor. It can be used as a garnish, a tart flavoring agent, a salad green, and even as a curdling agent for milk in cheese-making. However, because it is considered a weed, chemical controls such as Roundup may be used to get rid of it, but only when the plant is growing, and several applications may be needed to kill the rhizomes. Interestingly, Sheep Sorrel can also be grown as a houseplant. It is a super rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. Sheep Sorrel likes soil that is well-draining, and it shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size. Sheep Sorrel belongs to the Rumex genus and is native to Eurasia and British Isles.

Common names

Field Sorrel, Sheep's Sorrel, Sheep Sorrel

More information about Field Sorrel

How difficult is it to take care of Field Sorrel

Field Sorrel is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

What is the growth pattern and size of Field Sorrel?

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

What is the region of origin of Field Sorrel

Field Sorrel’s native range is Cetral and southeastern Europe, including Britain, as far north as Scandanavia and Iceland.

What are the water needs for Field Sorrel

Field Sorrel should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Field Sorrel

Field Sorrel loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

What is the sunlight requirement for Field Sorrel

To ensure optimal growth, the Field Sorrel prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

How to fertilize Field Sorrel

The Field Sorrel should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Is Field Sorrel toxic to humans/pets?

Field Sorrel is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

More info:
Wikipedia