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Slender Eastern Wood-sorrel

Oxalis florida

Last reviewed: June 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 (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.

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.