Violet Wood-sorrel
Oxalis violacea
Last reviewed: July 2026
Violet Wood-sorrel is a native forb found across eastern and central United States, producing violet flowers from May through July. This adaptable wildflower thrives in partial sun and attracts bees and flies as pollinators.
Violet 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 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
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
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.
Growing Violet Wood-sorrel
Grow Violet Wood-sorrel in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 3 to 10 inches tall and spread 3 to 8 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- When does Violet Wood-sorrel bloom?
- Violet Wood-sorrel blooms from May through July, producing its characteristic violet flowers during late spring and early summer.
- What pollinators visit Violet Wood-sorrel?
- Bees and flies are the primary pollinators of Violet Wood-sorrel, attracted to its violet flowers for nectar and pollen.
- Where is Violet Wood-sorrel native?
- Violet Wood-sorrel is native to a wide range of states from the Southeast through the Midwest and Northeast, including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, and many others across eastern and central North America.
- What growing conditions does Violet Wood-sorrel prefer?
- This native forb grows best in partial sun with medium moisture conditions, though it can tolerate full sun to partial shade and medium to low water levels.
- Is Violet Wood-sorrel toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Violet 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 Violet Wood-sorrel toxic to cats?
- Yes. Violet 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.
- Is Violet Wood-sorrel HOA-friendly?
- Violet 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.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Violet Wood-sorrel and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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