Overview
Oxalis corniculata L. var. pilosa (Nutt.) B.L. Turner, commonly known as creeping woodsorrel or yellow oxalis, is a low-growing perennial herb that belongs to the family Oxalidaceae. It is native to North America and can be found in fields, streamsides, lawns, and other disturbed areas.
Description
This plant has a trailing stem that can grow up to 20 inches in length, forming mats. It has three heart-shaped leaflets that are grey-green in color and have a hairy texture. The leaves fold and droop during darkness or cloudy weather. The flowers of the creeping woodsorrel bloom from April to November and are yellow in color with five petals.
Uses
The leaves of the creeping woodsorrel are edible and have a sour, tangy taste due to their oxalic acid content. They can be used fresh in salads or cooked as a vegetable. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used to treat a variety of ailments such as gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory problems, and fever. Additionally, the plant has been used in landscaping as a groundcover.
Cultivation
The creeping woodsorrel is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil and light conditions. It prefers moist, mildly acidic soil and partial shade. Propagation can be done through seeds or vegetative propagation, as the plant can produce new roots from its stems. It is important to note that the plant can become invasive when grown in ideal conditions.
Overall, the creeping woodsorrel is a useful plant with culinary, medicinal, and landscaping purposes. However, caution should be taken when cultivating it in order to prevent it from becoming an unwanted weed.Light Requirements
Oxalis corniculata L. var. pilosa (Nutt.) B.L. Turner, commonly referred to as creeping woodsorrel, thrives in full sunlight. It can also tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can stunt its growth and limit flower production. Therefore, it is recommended to grow this plant in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Oxalis corniculata L. var. pilosa (Nutt.) B.L. Turner is a resilient plant that can tolerate various temperature conditions. It can survive in USDA hardiness zones 5-10 and is drought tolerant. As a perennial plant, it can withstand winter temperatures as low as -15°F. However, it thrives best in warm temperatures, with an optimal growth range between 60°F and 80°F.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Oxalis corniculata L. var. pilosa (Nutt.) B.L. Turner is well-draining and rich in organic matter. It can also tolerate a wide pH range, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). The plant can survive in various soil types, such as sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, it grows best in moist, well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. Adding compost or fertilizer can improve soil quality and promote healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
Oxalis corniculata L. var. pilosa (Nutt.) B.L. Turner is a low-growing pasture plant that needs full sun to partial shade to thrive. It can grow in both dry and moist environments, making it an adaptable plant. The best soil for this plant is well-drained and slightly acidic. This plant propagates itself readily with runners, so it is best to plant it in a contained garden bed instead of an open one.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of this plant depend on the environment it is growing in. In a dry environment, it should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. In a more humid environment, it only requires occasional watering.
Fertilization
Oxalis corniculata L. var. pilosa (Nutt.) B.L. Turner does not require much fertilizer. A balanced fertilizer applied once per month during the growing season is all that is necessary. Too much fertilizer can cause the plant to become top-heavy and fall over.
Pruning
Pruning this plant is not necessary, but you can choose to prune it to keep it from spreading too much. If the plant needs to be pruned, do it in the early spring before the growing season begins. Prune the central stem down to a height of 4–6 inches. This will promote new growth and keep the plant looking neat and tidy.
Propagation of Oxalis corniculata L. var. pilosa (Nutt.) B.L. Turner
Oxalis corniculata L. var. pilosa (Nutt.) B.L. Turner, commonly known as Creeping Wood Sorrel, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Oxalidaceae. It is a popular ornamental plant that is easy to propagate through different methods.
Propagation through Seeds:
The seeds of Oxalis corniculata are small and black, and can be found in seed pods that develop after the flowers fade. Propagation through seeds is a simple and straightforward method. Collect the seed pods when they are dry and brown, and open them to harvest the seeds. Sow the seeds in a potting mix, and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist, and place the pot in a warm and bright location. The seeds will germinate within 1-2 weeks.
Propagation through Division:
Another method of propagating Oxalis corniculata is through division. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them in different containers or locations. Start by digging up the entire plant, and gently tease apart the roots into smaller sections. Make sure that each section has a few shoots and roots attached. Replant the sections in a well-draining potting mix, and water them thoroughly. Place the pots in a shaded area for a few days, and gradually increase the amount of sunlight as the plants acclimate to their new environment.
Propagation through Cuttings:
Propagation through stem cuttings is another popular method for Oxalis corniculata. It involves taking cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them in a potting mix. Choose healthy stems that are free from diseases or pests, and cut them into sections that are 3-4 inches long. Strip off the leaves from the bottom half of the stem, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Plant the stem into a well-draining potting mix, and water it thoroughly. Place the pot in a warm and bright location, and mist the cutting regularly to keep the humidity high. The cutting should root within 3-4 weeks, and can be transplanted into a larger container once it has established a healthy root system.
Disease Management
Oxalis corniculata L. var. pilosa (Nutt.) B.L. Turner is generally a healthy plant, but it is not immune to diseases. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot can cause damage to the leaves of Oxalis corniculata L. var. pilosa (Nutt.) B.L. Turner and reduce its overall quality. To manage fungal diseases, ensure good air circulation, avoid watering the foliage, and apply appropriate fungicides as necessary.
Bacterial Diseases
Bacterial diseases can cause devastating damage to the entire plant. Prevention is key to managing bacterial diseases, so avoid overwatering and create a healthy growing environment. Once bacterial diseases occur, there are no effective treatments, and the plant must be destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Oxalis corniculata L. var. pilosa (Nutt.) B.L. Turner is not a favorite of pests, but it is not immune to them either. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are a common pest to most plants, including Oxalis corniculata L. var. pilosa (Nutt.) B.L. Turner. They can cause the plant to yellow and stunt growth. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also control them by introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause leaves to become stippled and eventually die. They thrive in hot and dry environments. To manage spider mites, ensure a cool and moist environment, wash the plant with soapy water, and use insecticides such as neem oil.
Thrips
Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to become discolored and distorted. To manage thrips, use sticky traps to catch the adults and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the larvae.
By being proactive and taking measures to manage diseases and pests, you can keep Oxalis corniculata L. var. pilosa (Nutt.) B.L. Turner healthy and vibrant.
