Heartwing Sorrel
Rumex hastatulus
Last reviewed: July 2026
Heartwing Sorrel is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 18 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Heartwing sorrel is a small annual wildflower with arrow-shaped leaves and tiny reddish-green flowers that bloom from spring through summer. This native plant grows as a low rosette with upright flowering stems, thriving in sunny spots with minimal water. It naturally reseeds and provides early season color in wildflower gardens.
In an HOA neighborhood
Heartwing Sorrel takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Often considered a weed due to its weedy appearance
- Can spread aggressively through self-seeding
- Looks unkempt compared to traditional landscaping plants
Wildlife value
While not a major pollinator plant, heartwing sorrel provides some nectar for small beneficial insects and its seeds are eaten by various songbirds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Heartwing Sorrel need?
- Heartwing Sorrel grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Heartwing Sorrel bloom?
- Heartwing Sorrel blooms in April, May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Heartwing Sorrel native?
- Heartwing Sorrel (Rumex hastatulus) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 18 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Heartwing Sorrel toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Heartwing Sorrel is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Heartwing Sorrel toxic to cats?
- Yes. Heartwing Sorrel is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Heartwing Sorrel HOA-friendly?
- Heartwing Sorrel takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Heartwing Sorrel and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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