Practical
Plants

Oxalis europaea

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Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Oxalis
Life cycle
annual, perennial
Height
0.4 m
Fertility
self fertile
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Self

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

The leaves contain oxalic acid, which gives them their sharp flavour. Perfectly all right in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since oxalic acid can bind up the body's supply of calcium leading to nutritional deficiency. The quantity of oxalic acid will be reduced if the leaves are cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[4].

Edible uses

Leaves - raw or cooked[5]. A pleasant acid flavour, it makes an excellent addition to mixed salads[K]. Use in moderation, see notes at top of sheet,

Plant part
Leaves

Environment

Range
Europe, Scandanavia to Spain, east to Italy anf Poland. Naturalized in Britain. Eastern N. America.
Habitat
Waste places and as a weed of the garden[2].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in late spring or early summer.

Cultivation

Easily grown in a sandy soil in a warm dry position[1]. According to some authorities this species is no more than a synonym of O. stricta. L.[3].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00

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  3. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

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  4. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

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  5. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

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