Dillen’s Wood Sorrel, Gray-Green Wood Sorrel, Yellow Wood Sorrel, Slender Yellow Wood Sorrell

Oxalis dillenii

oks-AL-iss  dil-LEN-ee-eye

Synonyms of Oxalis dillenii (15) (Updated on 12-21-23 from Plants of the World Online): Oxalis arborea Anon. (1881), Oxalis boreaui P.Fourn. (1937) (nom. superfl.), Oxalis corniculata f. diffusa (Boreau) Fiori (1901), Oxalis corniculata proles diffusa (Boreau) Rouy (1897), Oxalis corniculata var. dillenii (Jacq.) Trel. (1897), Oxalis corniculata var. lyonii (Pursh) Zucc. (1831), Oxalis diffusa Boreau (1857), Oxalis dillenii var. radicans Shinners (1956), Oxalis florida subsp. prostrata (Haw.) Lourteig (1979), Oxalis lyonii Pursh (1813), Oxalis prostrata Haw. (1803), Oxalis recurva var. floridana Wiegand (1925), Oxalis sanguinolaria Raf. (1817), Xanthoxalis dillenii (Jacq.) Holub (1972), Xanthoxalis lyonii (Pursh) Holub (1973)

Oxalis dillenii Jacq. is the accepted scientific name for this species of Oxalis. It was named and described as such by Nicolaus (Nicolaas) Joseph von Jacquin Oxalis. Monographia, Iconibus Illustrata in 1874.

The genus, Oxalis L., was named and described as such by Carl von Linnaeus in the first volume of the first edition of Species Plantarum in 1753.

As of 12-21-23 when this page was last updated, Plants of the World Online lists 566 species in the Oxalis genus. It is a member of the plant family Oxalidaceae with 5 genera. Those numbers could change as updates are made on POWO.

The above distribution map for Oxalis dillenii is from Plants of the World Online. Areas in green are where the species is native and purple where it has been introduced. The map on the USDA Plants Database for the United States and Canada is somewhat different. No map is perfect, but can get a general idea.

The map on iNaturalist shows where members have made observations. Anyone can join and it is a great website to confirm and share your observations. The maps on iNaturalist are continually updated as members post new observations.

THERE ARE SEVERAL LINKS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE FOR FURTHER READING AND TO HELP WITH A POSITIVE ID.

I have always liked the Oxalis dillenii as far back as I can remember. When I was a little kid I would eat the leaves and fruit. I always let this species grow in the flower beds and garden just because I think they are neat. Oxalis dillenii is a native (and introduced) wildflower throughout most of the United States, Canada, and down into Mexico. It has found its way to a few other countries as well.

It grows from one end of the farm to the other in full sun to partly shady areas. I have had some difficulty taking good photos over the years, so I really have to work on that. Most of the photos I have taken of them are too blurry to save. It’s either too windy, the sun is too bright, or something…

I took the above photo and the one below while painting a house in a nearby community. This small colony was growing in front of the steps and was itching to get their photo taken.

Oxalis dillenii is often confused with Oxalis stricta. Both share several common names and you have to get down to the nitty-gritty to tell them apart. Several websites use the common name Slender Yellow Wood Sorrel for Oxalis dillenii, while Upright Yellow Wood Sorrel is used for Oxalis stricta.

I will write full descriptions once I finish with the annual updates on this site. Updating is a winter project but sometimes I get behind.

I hope to get more photos in 2023 to go along with the descriptions. You know what they say… A photo is worth a thousand words…

I live on the family farm in Windsor, Missouri in Pettis County (Henry County is across the street, and Benton and Johnson aren’t far away). I have grown over 500 different plants and identified over 250 species of wildflowers (most have pages listed on the right side of the page). I am not an expert, botanist, or horticulturalist. I just like growing, photographing, and writing about my experience. I rely on several websites for ID and a few horticulturalists I contact if I cannot figure them out. Wildflowers can be variable from location to location, so that can be a bit confusing. If you see I have made an error, please let me know so I can correct what I have written.

I hope you found this page useful and be sure to check the links below for more information. They were written by experts and provide much more information. Some sites may not be up-to-date but they are always a work in progress. If you can, I would appreciate it if you would click on the “Like” below and leave a comment. It helps us bloggers stay motivated. You can also send an email to me at thebelmontrooster@yahoo.com. I would enjoy hearing from you especially if you notice something is a bit whacky.

FOR FURTHER READING:
PLANTS OF THE WORLD ONLINE (GENUS/SPECIES)
INTERNATIONAL PLANT NAMES INDEX (GENUS/SPECIES)
TROPICOS (GENUS/SPECIES)
FLORA OF MISSOURI (GENUS/SPECIES)
FLORA OF NORTH AMERICA (GENUS/SPECIES)
WORLD FLORA ONLINE (GENUS/SPECIES)
WIKIPEDIA (GENUS/SPECIES)
USDA PLANTS DATABASE
iNATURALIST
MISSOURI PLANTS
MIDWEST WEEDS AND WILDFLOWERS
WILDFLOWER SEARCH
DAVE’S GARDEN
GO BOTANY
KANSAS NATIVE PLANTS
KANSAS WILDFLOWERS AND GRASSES
LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER
MARYLAND BIODIVERSITY PROJECT
MINNESOTA WILDFLOWERS
MONTANA FIELD GUIDE
U.S. WILDFLOWERS

NOTE: The data (figures, maps, accepted names, etc.) may not match on these websites. It depends on when and how they make updates and when their sources make updates. Some websites have hundreds and thousands of species to keep up with. Accepted scientific names change periodically and can be hard to keep with. Some of the links may use a name that is a synonym on other sites. In my opinion, Plants of the World Online by Kew is one of the most reliable and up-to-date plant databases and they make updates regularly. I make updates “at least” once a year and when I write new pages or add new photos but I do get behind. We are all a work in progress. 🙂

MORE PHOTOS…