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Shamrock Oxalis

Oxalis articulata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Shamrock Oxalis (Oxalis articulata)
Photo: M. S. del. ( = Matilda Smith, 1854-1926), J. N. Fitch lith. ( = John Nugent Fitch, 1840–1927) . Description by Joseph Dalton Hooker (1817—1911) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Shamrock Oxalis 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

medium

Size

6"–12" H × 8"–16" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Native alternatives to Shamrock Oxalis

Shamrock Oxalis is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Shamrock oxalis is a low-growing perennial with distinctive three-leaflet clover-like foliage and pink flowers that bloom from spring through summer. This compact plant forms neat mounds and spreads gradually to create attractive groundcover patches.

In an HOA neighborhood

Shamrock Oxalis 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 clover-like appearance
  • Can spread aggressively and become invasive
  • May be confused with common lawn weeds

Wildlife value

The long blooming period from April through August provides nectar for bees and butterflies throughout the growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Shamrock Oxalis need?
Shamrock Oxalis grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Shamrock Oxalis bloom?
Shamrock Oxalis blooms in April, May, June, July, and August.
Is Shamrock Oxalis toxic to dogs?
Yes. Shamrock Oxalis 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 Shamrock Oxalis toxic to cats?
Yes. Shamrock Oxalis 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 Shamrock Oxalis attract?
Shamrock Oxalis draws bees and butterflies.
Is Shamrock Oxalis HOA-friendly?
Shamrock Oxalis takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

See all plant problem guides

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