Wood Sorrel
Oxalis stricta (Linnaeus)
Observed/Collected Location: City of Hays, Hays County, Texas
Date: April 4, 2010
Habitat: Grows well in open sunny areas.
Range: Eastern US including Texas
Notes: Forms colonies via underground stems. The leaves contain oxalic acid, which gives them their sharp flavor. Perfectly all right in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since oxalic acid can bind up the body's supply of calcium leading to nutritional deficiency. The quantity of oxalic acid will be reduced if the leaves are cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition