Common Yellow Wood Sorrel (Oxalis fontana)

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Sunlight Prefers dappled partial sun or full shade; avoid intense midday direct sunlight which can scorch foliage

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Watering Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; allow the top 1 cm of soil to dry slightly between waterings

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Temperature Hardy to mild frost; thrives in cool temperate temperatures, avoid prolonged exposure to heat above 28°C

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Leaf: Trifoliate, clover-like bright green blades; folds inward at night and during intense sunlight
Flower: Small, five-petaled bright yellow blooms in loose terminal clusters
Stem: Slender, creeping or upright; may root at nodes to form dense colonies

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Watering

Maintain even soil moisture; mist lightly in dry indoor environments

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 4 weeks. Use a diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer to support flowering without promoting excessive foliage growth

Eggshell powder top-dress：Crush dried, rinsed eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface and water in to release calcium gradually

Pruning

Trim back spent flower stems to encourage continuous blooming through the growing season
Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and reduce pest risk
Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to maintain a tidy appearance

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Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-listed toxic; soluble calcium oxalates cause oral pain, swelling, and vomiting

Humans: Contains soluble calcium oxalate crystals; may cause mild oral irritation or nausea if ingested in large quantities

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Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental ground cover for shaded gardens; edible in small quantities (avoid large ingestion due to oxalate content)