Common Sheep Sorrel
Rumex acetosella
- Native to:
- Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canary Is., China, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East Aegean Is., Eswatini, Finland, Føroyar, France, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kriti, Kuril Is., Lebanon-Syria, Lesotho, Madeira, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Sicilia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Ukraine
Ayotte, Gilles, 1948-
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Polygonaceae
- Genus:
- Rumex
- Species:
- Rumex acetosella
- USDA Symbol:
- RUAC3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 45 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- red, green
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Nais tiger moth (Apantesis nais), white triangle tortrix (Clepsis persicana), American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas), Copper (Lycaena cuprea), Epidemia helloides, Gaeides editha
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from extensive creeping rhizomes after fire or disturbance.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in disturbed areas and grasslands
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment. Light may improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.