Redwood-sorrel
Oxalis oregana
Last reviewed: October 2026
Redwood-sorrel (Oxalis oregana) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in March, April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees.
Redwood-sorrel is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
shade
Water
high
Size
4"–8" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, OR, WA
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Redwood-sorrel.
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Low mat-forming groundcover with clover-like leaves that fold up in bright light or rain, and delicate pale pink to white flowers. Carpets the floor of deep shade in moist forests.
Growing Redwood-sorrel
Grow Redwood-sorrel in shade and high water. Mature plants reach 4 to 8 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Provides dense groundcover habitat; flowers offer nectar for small native bees.
Common questions
- How much sun does Redwood-sorrel need?
- Redwood-sorrel grows best in shade conditions.
- When does Redwood-sorrel bloom?
- Redwood-sorrel blooms in March, April, May, and June.
- Where is Redwood-sorrel native?
- Redwood-sorrel (Oxalis oregana) is native to CA, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Redwood-sorrel toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Redwood-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 Redwood-sorrel toxic to cats?
- Yes. Redwood-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.
- What pollinators does Redwood-sorrel attract?
- Redwood-sorrel draws bees.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Redwood-sorrel and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.