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Slender Eastern Wood-sorrel

Oxalis florida

Last reviewed: August 2026

Slender Eastern Wood-sorrel (Oxalis florida)
Photo: (c) Will McFarland, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Will McFarland

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 18 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

PiedmontNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauSouthern Coastal PlainAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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 18 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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