French sorrel
Also known as: buckler-shaped sorrel; garden sorrel
A low-growing perennial with a creeping habit and spear-shaped grey-green leaves. Small greenish-red flowers are produced in summer, but the plant is usually grown for its edible leaves which can be cut for salads
Scientific classification
- Species
- French sorrel (Rumex scutatus)
- Genus
- Rumex
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Harmful if eaten in large amounts. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Toxicity
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Plant type
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- Deciduous
- Foliage
- Matforming
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn
- Season of interest
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
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- Ideal temperature
French sorrel pictures
Distribution of French sorrel
Distribution map
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Culture
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Toxicity
Harmful if eaten in large amounts. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Quick identification of French sorrel
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French sorrel care guide
- Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
- Watering
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
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- Ideal temperature
Watering
Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer
Pruning
PruningYoung leaves can be harvested as a 'cut and come again' crop. If growing for foliage it is best to remove any flowering stalks that appear
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in situ, may self-seed in place if flowers are left to seed
Growing
GrowingThrives in rich, fertile soil but will tolerate almost any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade
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Common pests and diseases
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and aphids
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