Rumex scutatus aka French Sorrel
Taxonomy
Rumex scutatus, also known as French sorrel, buckler sorrel, shield-leaf sorrel, or green-sauce, is a plant in the buckwheat family. It is a low-growing perennial with spear-shaped grey-green leaves and small greenish-red flowers that bloom in summer. However, it is primarily cultivated for its edible leaves, which have a slightly bitter or tangy flavor with a hint of lemon, attributed to its oxalic acid content. This culinary herb is commonly used in salads, soups, and sauces, especially for fish. French sorrel can tolerate frost, full sun, and short dry spells, making it hardy in most regions. It grows rapidly, forming a clump up to 1 meter in diameter, with long leaves up to 10 centimeters wide. Some prefer it over Rumex acetosa, garden sorrel, for culinary purposes.
Common names
French Sorrel, Buckler Leaved Sorrel, Round Leafed SorrelHow to care for French Sorrel
Difficulty
French Sorrel is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Water
French Sorrel should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
French 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.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the French 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.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for French Sorrel to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
French Sorrel is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Fertilizer
The French Sorrel should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Region of origin
French Sorrel’s native range is Europe. Occasionally naturalized in Britain[17].
More info:
Wikipedia
