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sheep sorrel
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sheep sorrel

herb
Also known as: Rumex acetosella
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Quick Summary

Sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella) is a hardy perennial herb native to Europe that has become a widespread, though often troublesome, invader in North America. It thrives in acidic soils and is commonly found in lawns, gardens, meadows, and grassy slopes.12

This plant is characterized by its spreading rootstocks, slender triangular leaves that have an acid taste due to oxalic acid, and small yellow or reddish flowers. While mature leaves can be used as a vegetable or flavoring, young leaves are often used in salads. Sheep sorrel belongs to the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae), and the name "sorrel" is also applied to plants in the genus Oxalis, which also have sour-tasting leaves.1

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