Violet Wood-sorrel
Oxalis violacea
Last reviewed: June 2026
Violet 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 sun
Water
medium
Size
3"–10" H × 3"–8" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Violet wood-sorrel is a low-growing native wildflower that produces delicate purple flowers from May through July. This small perennial forms neat clumps with three-leaflet foliage and prefers partially shaded areas with moderate moisture.
In an HOA neighborhood
Violet 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 size appears weedy in formal landscapes
- Common name includes 'wood-sorrel' which many consider a weed
- May go dormant and disappear seasonally
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and flies during the summer blooming period. Its small stature makes it most valuable as part of a diverse ground layer ecosystem.
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 Violet Wood-sorrel and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.