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Description
Oxalis Dichondrifolia, commonly known as the two-seeded wood sorrel, is a small herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Oxalidaceae. It is native to North America and is found in the eastern United States, from Maine to Florida, and westward to Texas and Iowa. The plant grows up to 12 inches tall and has clover-like leaves that are trifoliate, meaning they have three leaflets. The leaves are green and have a heart-shaped base with a pointed tip. The flowers of Oxalis Dichondrifolia are yellow and have five petals. They bloom from May to July and are self-fertile, meaning they can pollinate themselves.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Oxalidales |
| Family | Oxalidaceae |
| Genus | Oxalis |
Appearance
Oxalis Dichondrifolia has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other plants. The plant has a compact growth habit and produces a dense clump of clover-like leaves. Each leaf has three leaflets that are arranged in a triangular shape. The leaves are green and have a heart-shaped base with a pointed tip. The flowers of Oxalis Dichondrifolia are yellow and have five petals. They bloom from May to July and are self-fertile. The plant is relatively small, growing up to 12 inches tall.
Care Guide
Oxalis Dichondrifolia is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, but make sure the soil is well-draining. The plant prefers moist soil, but it can also tolerate periods of drought.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Do not fertilize during the winter months.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal.
- Sunlight: Oxalis Dichondrifolia prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Oxalis Dichondrifolia is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:
- Spider mites: Spider mites can infest the plant and cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Regularly spraying the plant with water can help prevent infestations.
- Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. Make sure the soil is well-draining and allow it to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust can affect the plant. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of disease and treat with fungicides if necessary.
Habitat
Oxalis Dichondrifolia is native to North America and is found in the eastern United States, from Maine to Florida, and westward to Texas and Iowa. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and can be found in wooded areas, meadows, and along stream banks.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Oxalis Dichondrifolia poisonous?
A: No, Oxalis Dichondrifolia is not poisonous. However, the plant contains oxalic acid, which can cause stomach upset if ingested in large quantities.
Q: Can Oxalis Dichondrifolia be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Oxalis Dichondrifolia can be grown indoors as a houseplant. It prefers bright, indirect light and moist soil.
Q: How often should I water Oxalis Dichondrifolia?
A: Water the plant regularly, but make sure the soil is well-draining. The plant prefers moist soil, but it can also tolerate periods of drought. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Q: How do I propagate Oxalis Dichondrifolia?
A: Oxalis Dichondrifolia can be propagated by division or from seed. To propagate by division, separate the plant into smaller clumps and replant in well-draining soil. To propagate from seed, sow the seeds in moist soil and keep them in a warm, bright location. The seeds will germinate in 1 to 2 weeks.
Related Plants
- Oxalis acetosella
- Oxalis stricta
- Oxalis tetraphylla
- Oxalis triangularis
References
- “Oxalis Dichondrifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 27, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a533.
- “Oxalis Dichondrifolia.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed October 27, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=OXDI.
- “Two-Seed Wood-sorrel.” Illinois Wildflowers. Accessed October 27, 2021. https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/twds_wdsorrel.htm.
