AT A GLANCE
Which clover grows in the forest and what does it look like?
Wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) is a species of clover that grows in the forest. It has typical 3-fold, heart-shaped leaves and forms a carpet-like ground cover. Small white flowers veined with violet appear from April to June, towering above the foliage.
What kind of clover grows in the forest and what does it look like?
It is wood sorrel, botanically Oxalis acetosella, also commonly known as common wood sorrel or common sorrel. This perennial herbaceous plant is good to find in summer as it is deciduous and has a carpet-like growth habit. The plants stay very low with a height of 5 to 15 cm, they are ground covers, so to speak.
- Leaves are typically clover 3-fold and grass-green
- Shape of the single leaves is heart-shaped
- small white flowers open from April to June
- Flower stalks tower above the foliage
- the petals are veined with violet
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Where exactly can I find the wood sorrel?
Wood sorrel grows in Europe and Asia, each in the northern and temperate latitudes. It can be found in wooded areas that offer it acidic, fresh and moist soil. The habitat can be a coniferous forest or a mixed deciduous forest. Will with preference
shady forest places populated, even the deepest shade does not bother this clover species.Which parts of the plant are collected and how are they eaten?
Wood sorrel is like most Clovers edible. Its aroma is lemon-like sour. As a result, it has a refreshing effect on the one hand, but on the other hand it has to be dosed sparingly so that the sour taste does not dominate. All plant parts can be collected: roots, stems, flowers and the triangular ones seed. Here are a few examples for use in the kitchen
- Leaves refine salads, soups and sauces
- can be added to vegetable juices/smoothies
- Flowers are suitable as decorative, edible ornaments
- soft seeds serve as a spice for pickling cucumbers
Is wood sorrel a medicinal herb?
The fewest clovers have been extensively scientifically researched, including wood sorrel. The reports of his healing effect come primarily from alternative medicine. In homeopathy it is used for metabolic weakness, indigestion and problems with the gallbladder and liver. In earlier times it was considered a remedy for scurvy and was used for skin diseases.
Can forest clover also be grown in the home garden?
The answer is one gratifying yes! Of course, this plant speaks for its beautiful appearance. But what is more important is that wood sorrel is more suitable than almost any other plant to as a dense ground cover to embellish very shady locations. Since wood sorrel hardy and spreads out by itself, it is an easy-care permanent planting.
Tip
Caution oxalic acid! How to protect yourself from kidney damage
Wood sorrel contains a lot of oxalic acid. Large amounts can damage the kidneys. Therefore, do not eat raw wood sorrel every day and only in small, harmless amounts. If the clover is boiled and the cooking water is then drained off, most of the oxalic acid will be removed.
