#770 Oxalis latifolia Common Names: broadleaf woodsorrel, Mexican oxalis Family: Oxalidaceae (oxalis or wood-sorrel Family) Get link to this Profile or click for Datasheet

Broadleaf woodsorrel makes a bright cheerful groundcover for shady areas.

Location
Woodsorrels occur naturally on all continents. Broadleaf woodsorrel is native originally to Mexico, Central and South America, and the West Indies, but is now established in much of the tropical and subtropical world, including Florida where it grows in disturbed, moist and shady woods. In some situations broadleaf woodsorrel can be a troublesome weed, but it has not been condemned by the Exotic Pest Plant folks.

Culture
Light: Broadleaf woodsorrel grows well in partial shade.
Moisture: Broadleaf woodsorrel grows best in moisture-retentive soils with lots of organic matter.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 8 - 11.
Propagation: Broadleaf woodsorrel spreads by producing little bulbils on short underground runners from its main bulb. New plants then come up from the little bulbils. To get new plants, just divide off the new bulbils.

The broadleaf woodsorrel's flowers close at night and during cloudy weather.

Features
Many of the Oxalis species are invasive garden and greenhouse weeds. Some are cultivated as container and garden ornamentals. One (O. tuberosa) is grown in the high Andes for its edible tubers called ocas.

Steve Christman 8/18/00; updated 3/16/04

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