Slender Eastern Wood-sorrel
Oxalis florida
Last reviewed: July 2026
Slender Eastern Wood-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
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–8" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, FL and 19 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Oxalis florida is a low-growing native perennial that forms compact clumps of delicate three-leaflet foliage. This small woodsorrel produces cheerful flowers from spring through summer and thrives in partially shaded garden spots with consistent moisture.
In an HOA neighborhood
Slender Eastern Wood-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.
- Very small scale may appear weedy
- Oxalis genus often considered problematic by HOAs
- Low profile may not meet landscape presence expectations
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beetles during its extended blooming period from April through July.
Common questions
- How much sun does Slender Eastern Wood-sorrel need?
- Slender Eastern Wood-sorrel grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Slender Eastern Wood-sorrel bloom?
- Slender Eastern Wood-sorrel blooms in April, May, June, and July.
- Where is Slender Eastern Wood-sorrel native?
- Slender Eastern Wood-sorrel (Oxalis florida) is native to AL, AR, CT, FL and 19 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Slender Eastern Wood-sorrel toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Slender Eastern Wood-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 Slender Eastern Wood-sorrel toxic to cats?
- Yes. Slender Eastern Wood-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 Slender Eastern Wood-sorrel attract?
- Slender Eastern Wood-sorrel draws bees and beetles.
- Is Slender Eastern Wood-sorrel HOA-friendly?
- Slender Eastern Wood-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 Slender Eastern Wood-sorrel and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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