Slender Yellow Wood-sorrel
Oxalis dillenii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Slender Yellow 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"–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
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.
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 Yellow Wood-sorrel and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.