Oxalis violacea, commonly known as Violet Wood Sorrel, is a native perennial wildflower found in dry prairies, open woodlands, rocky slopes, and savannas throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade, often appearing in sandy or gravelly areas with minimal competition.
This low-growing plant that grows up to 6 inches tall and forms clumps of clover-like, trifoliate leaves with a soft green to purplish hue. From mid-spring to early summer—and sometimes again in fall—it produces small but striking clusters of violet to lavender-pink, five-petaled flowers. The blooms open in daylight and close at night or on cloudy days.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Oxalis violacea is a charming addition to rock gardens, native ground covers, and wildflower borders. It provides early-season nectar for small bees and pollinators and adds delicate color and texture to low-growing native plantings. It pairs well with Wild Strawberry, Prairie Smoke, and Pasqueflower in sunny, well-drained sites.
Oxalis violacea, commonly known as Violet Wood Sorrel, is a native perennial wildflower found in dry prairies, open woodlands, rocky slopes, and savannas throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade, often appearing in sandy or gravelly areas with minimal competition.
This low-growing plant that grows up to 6 inches tall and forms clumps of clover-like, trifoliate leaves with a soft green to purplish hue. From mid-spring to early summer—and sometimes again in fall—it produces small but striking clusters of violet to lavender-pink, five-petaled flowers. The blooms open in daylight and close at night or on cloudy days.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Oxalis violacea is a charming addition to rock gardens, native ground covers, and wildflower borders. It provides early-season nectar for small bees and pollinators and adds delicate color and texture to low-growing native plantings. It pairs well with Wild Strawberry, Prairie Smoke, and Pasqueflower in sunny, well-drained sites.
Bloom: mid-spring to early summer
Habitats: abandoned fields; edges of woodland bluffs; hill prairies; limestone glades; mesic to dry black soil prairies; open upland forests
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic to dry
Plant type (height): forb (up to 6 inches)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: loamy; rocky
