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Slender Yellow Wood-sorrel

Oxalis dillenii

Last reviewed: July 2026

Slender Yellow Wood-sorrel (Oxalis dillenii)
Photo: Door megachile / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Slender Yellow 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"–10" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CO and 38 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan DesertsCentral Oklahoma/Texas PlainsEdwards PlateauSouthern Texas PlainsTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central Plains

Slender yellow wood-sorrel is a low-growing native wildflower with delicate three-leaflet foliage and small bright yellow flowers. This compact perennial blooms from late spring through summer, forming small clumps that work well as groundcover in partially shaded areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Slender Yellow 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.

  • Often considered a weed by conventional standards
  • Very small stature may appear unkempt in formal landscapes
  • Can spread and appear weedy to untrained eyes

Wildlife value

The small yellow flowers attract native bees and beetles during its long blooming season from May through August.

Common questions

How much sun does Slender Yellow Wood-sorrel need?
Slender Yellow Wood-sorrel grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Slender Yellow Wood-sorrel bloom?
Slender Yellow Wood-sorrel blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Slender Yellow Wood-sorrel native?
Slender Yellow Wood-sorrel (Oxalis dillenii) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CO and 38 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Slender Yellow Wood-sorrel toxic to dogs?
Yes. Slender Yellow 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 Yellow Wood-sorrel toxic to cats?
Yes. Slender Yellow 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 Yellow Wood-sorrel attract?
Slender Yellow Wood-sorrel draws bees and beetles.
Is Slender Yellow Wood-sorrel HOA-friendly?
Slender Yellow 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.

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