Plant encyclopedia›common sorrel

common sorrel

Also known as: garden sorrel; green sauce; patriot's blood; sharp dock; sorrel dock; sour leek; sorrel; sour dock; sour grass

A hardy, clump-forming perennial herb with edible, sour-tasting, oblong leaves, arrow-shaped, 7-15cm long at the base. Small reddish flowers are produced in early summer in a narrow panicle or raceme up to 1.2m tall

Scientific classification

Species: common sorrel (Rumex acetosa)
Genus: Rumex
Family: Polygonaceae

Harmful if eaten in large amounts. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Herbaceous Perennial · Herbs - Culinary
Plant type: 0.5-1 metres
Height: 0-0.1 metre
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Columnar upright
Habit: Spring · Summer
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

common sorrel pictures

Distribution of common sorrel

Distribution map

Northern Temperate Arctic Regions

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Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Harmful if eaten in large amounts. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of common sorrel

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common sorrel care guide

Consistently damp soil, water often during hot summer heat waves
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Consistently damp soil, water often during hot summer heat waves

Fertilizing

Diluted general plant feed applied every three weeks growing season

Pruning

Cut back after flowering. Cut back prior to seed setting to avoid self-seeding

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Growing

Grow in any well-drained soil, in full sun. The plant self-seeds and deep tap roots may be difficult to eradicate or control. Young leaves can be eaten raw or added to salads, or boiled similar to spinach to accompany meals. See sorrel cultivation for more advice

More growing and care information →