Overview of Oxalis suksdorfii Trel.
Oxalis suksdorfii Trel. is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Oxalidaceae. The plant is native to western North America and can be found across various regions ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the coastal areas of California. The plant is commonly known as 'Suksdorf's wood-sorrel', 'Cascade Mountain oxalis', or simply 'Oxalis'.
Appearance of Oxalis suksdorfii Trel.
The Oxalis suksdorfii Trel. plant has a slender stem that can reach up to 20 cm in height. The leaves of the plant are trifoliate, meaning each leaf has three small leaflets that are heart-shaped and glossy in appearance. The flowers grow on tall stalks above the leaves and are usually pale pink or white with five petals that are 1 to 2 cm long. The blooms appear in spring and summer, and the flowers close in the afternoon, hence the name 'wood-sorrel'.
Uses of Oxalis suksdorfii Trel.
Oxalis suksdorfii Trel. is commonly used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive appearance. The delicate pale pink to white flowers can be used in floral arrangements, and the plant is grown as a groundcover for landscaping. The leaves and flowers of the plant are edible and have a tangy, sour taste. The sour taste is due to the presence of oxalic acid, which gives the plant its common name 'sorrel'. The leaves and flowers can be added to salads, soups, and stews to add a tangy flavor to the dish. However, the plant should be consumed in moderation due to the high levels of oxalic acid, which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
In traditional medicine, Oxalis suksdorfii Trel. is believed to have medicinal properties and has been used to treat various ailments such as skin diseases, jaundice, and respiratory infections. The plant has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is also used as a natural remedy for digestive problems.
In conclusion, Oxalis suksdorfii Trel. is a delightful plant that has multiple uses, including ornamental and culinary purposes. Additionally, the plant has medicinal properties and is considered a natural remedy for various health problems. However, it should be consumed in moderation due to the high levels of oxalic acid.
Light Requirements
Oxalis suksdorfii Trel. is an understory plant that prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight. Direct sunlight for prolonged periods can scorch its delicate leaves. It requires a minimum of four hours of sunlight each day to sustain its growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in temperatures between 50 to 75°F (10 to 24°C), although it can tolerate temperatures as low as 25°F (-4°C) and as high as 90°F (32°C) for short periods. During the winter months, the plant enters dormancy, and the temperature should be kept between 45 to 55°F (7 to 12°C) to encourage its growth during the following season.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Oxalis suksdorfii Trel. is well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 - 7.0). The plant prefers a moist but not waterlogged soil, and it is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. The use of a well-draining potting mix and the addition of perlite or sand to improve drainage is recommended.
Cultivation Methods
Oxalis suksdorfii Trel., also known as woodland oxalis or western yellow oxalis, is a beautiful perennial plant that can be propagated through seeds or division of its bulbs. The ideal time for planting is in the fall or early spring when the soil is moist and cool.
The plant prefers a partially shaded location with well-draining, slightly acidic soil. It can also tolerate full sun exposure, but the soil must remain consistently moist. Plant the bulbs around two inches deep and six inches apart.
Watering Needs
The soil must remain moist, but not waterlogged. Therefore, it is important to water the plant consistently, ensuring that the topsoil doesn't dry out. This is particularly important in the summer when the plant tends to dry out quickly.
During the winter when the plant goes dormant, watering can be reduced to prevent the bulb from rotting. However, it is important to keep the soil moist enough to prevent the plant from completely drying out.
Fertilization
Oxalis suksdorfii Trel. doesn't require much fertilization; however, to encourage healthy growth and flowering, it is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer during the plant's active growth period. Apply the fertilizer once every month as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
Avoid over-fertilizing as it can cause damage to the plant, particularly the bulbs, leading to stunted growth or rotting of the roots.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Oxalis suksdorfii Trel. However, to maintain the plant's aesthetic appearance, it is recommended to deadhead the spent flowers and remove any dead or damaged leaves. This will promote healthy foliage growth and prevent pests and diseases such as slugs, snails, and fungal infections from affecting the plant.
Propagation Methods of Oxalis suksdorfii Trel.
Oxalis suksdorfii Trel. is a bulb-forming plant that grows well in gardens and containers. The plant can be propagated through various methods such as seed sowing, division, and bulb scaling.
Seed Sowing
Propagation of Oxalis suksdorfii Trel. through seeds can be carried out by sowing the seeds in well-drained soil in early spring or fall. The best soil composition for seed sowing is a mixture of sand, perlite, and peat moss. After sowing the seeds, cover the container with a plastic bag or a lid to maintain moisture levels. The temperature should be kept between 60-70°F to promote germination. Within 2-3 weeks, the seeds will germinate, and the plastic bag or lid should be gradually removed. After around 2-3 months, the seedlings should be ready to transplant into individual containers or outdoor beds.
Division
The division method of propagation works well for mature Oxalis suksdorfii Trel. plants that have grown large clumps of bulbs. The process involves carefully digging out the clump using a garden fork and separating the bulbs into smaller sections. Each section should have a few healthy bulbs and some roots. The newly divided sections can be replanted in their original location or in new beds or containers.
Bulb Scaling
Bulb scaling is another efficient method of propagating Oxalis suksdorfii Trel. plants. It involves detaching and planting bulb scales that develop on the parent bulb. The bulb scales should be removed and placed in a sterile medium such as a mixture of peat and perlite or sand. Keep the medium moist but not waterlogged and maintain a temperature between 60-70°F. Depending on the bulb scale size, it may take a few weeks to several months for new plantlets to form. Once the plantlets have formed, they can be transplanted into their individual containers or outdoor beds.
Disease Management
Oxalis suksdorfii Trel. is known to be susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases. One of the most common diseases affecting this plant is leaf spot, which is caused by the fungus Cercospora oxalidis. Leaf spot can be identified by the brown or blackish spots that appear on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to remove the infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Fungicides may also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Another fungus that can cause problems in Oxalis suksdorfii Trel. is Botrytis cinerea, which causes gray mold. This disease can cause flowers and buds to rot, as well as lead to the development of necrotic spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plants and to avoid overcrowding. Fungicides may also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Oxalis suksdorfii Trel. can also be affected by various insect pests. The most common pest that affects this plant is the two-spotted spider mite. These pests feed on the leaves and can cause yellowing, bronzing, and distorted growth. To manage spider mites, it is important to keep the plants well-watered and to maintain high humidity levels around them. Insecticidal sprays may also be used to control the pest.
Another common insect pest that affects Oxalis suksdorfii Trel. is the aphid. These pests feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and plant deformities. To manage aphids, it is important to remove any affected plant parts and to maintain a healthy growing environment. Insecticidal soap sprays may also be used to control the pest.
