The deeper you go into a dense forest, the darker it becomes. Hardly a ray of light reaches the ground. Many plants don't like to grow like that. But one type of clover defies the adverse conditions and forms flowering carpets. There's a lot to report!
Which clover grows in the forest and what does it look like?
Wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) is a type of clover that grows in the forest. It has typical 3-fold, heart-shaped leaves and forms carpet-like ground cover. Small white, purple-veined flowers appear from April to June, rising above the green leaves.
What type of clover grows in the forest and what does it look like?
It isthe wood sorrel,botanically Oxalis acetosella, also commonly known as common sorrel or common sorrel. This perennial herbaceous plant is easy to find in summer because it is deciduous and grows like a carpet. The plants remain very low at 5 to 15 cm high and are, so to speak, ground cover.
- Leaves are typically three-fold clover and grass green
- Shape of the individual leaves is heart-shaped
- small white flowers open from April to June
- Flower stems rise above the green leaves
- the petals have purple veins
Where exactly can I find wood sorrel?
Wood sorrel grows in Europe and Asia, in northern and temperate latitudes. It can be found in forest areas that offer acidic, fresh and moist soil. The habitat can be a coniferous forest or a mixed deciduous forest.shady forest areas are preferred, even the deepest shade doesn't bother this type of clover.
Which plant parts are collected and how are they eaten?
Like most types of clover, wood sorrel is edible. Its aroma is lemon-like sour. On the one hand, it has a refreshing effect, but on the other hand, it must be dosed conservatively so that the sour taste does not dominate. All parts of the plant can be collected: roots, stems, flowers and the triangular seeds. 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 jewelry
- soft seeds serve as a spice for pickling cucumbers
Is wood sorrel a medicinal herb?
Very few types of clover have been scientifically researched extensively, including wood sorrel. The reports about its healing effects come primarily from alternative medicine. In homeopathy it is used for metabolic weakness, digestive disorders and problems with bile and liver. In earlier times it was considered a cure for scurvy and was used for skin diseases.
Can wild clover also be grown in the home garden?
The answer is apleasant yes! Of course, this plant's beautiful appearance speaks for itself. But what is more important is that wood sorrel is more suitable than almost any other plant for beautifying very shady locations as a dense ground cover. Since wood sorrel is hardy and spreads on its own, it is an easy-care permanent plant.
Tip
Caution oxalic acid! How to protect yourself from kidney damage
Wood sorrel contains a lot of oxalic acid. In large quantities, this can damage the kidneys. Therefore, do not eat raw wood sorrel every day and only in small, safe quantities. If the clover is boiled and the cooking water is then poured off, a large part of the oxalic acid is removed.
