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WildBristol.uk - Discovering Wildlife in Bristol

Least Yellow-sorrel - Oxalis exilis

Favourite Photos

image species author location uploaded taken select
Least Yellow-sorrel Least Yellow-sorrel - Oxalis exilis dylan Bristol 15 Apr 2025, 5:24 p.m. 14 Apr 2025, 4:57 p.m.
Least Yellow-sorrel Least Yellow-sorrel - Oxalis exilis dylan Bristol 15 Apr 2025, 5:24 p.m. 14 Apr 2025, 4:57 p.m.
Least Yellow-sorrel Least Yellow-sorrel - Oxalis exilis dylan Bristol 15 Apr 2025, 5:24 p.m. 14 Apr 2025, 4:57 p.m.
Least Yellow-sorrel Least Yellow-sorrel - Oxalis exilis dylan Bristol 15 Apr 2025, 5:24 p.m. 14 Apr 2025, 4:57 p.m.
Least Yellow-sorrel Least Yellow-sorrel - Oxalis exilis dylan Bristol 26 Sep 2025, 7:07 p.m. 25 Sep 2025, 3:35 p.m.
Least Yellow-sorrel Least Yellow-sorrel - Oxalis exilis dylan Bristol 10 Mar 2026, 12:21 a.m. 6 Mar 2026, 12:56 p.m.

Species Description

Widespread and locally frequent throughout the UK but most common in the south. It is increasing. Habitat includes: pavements, walls, gravel, nurseries, wasteland, rockeries, path-sides, etc. Growing habit: Perennial. Height: Up to 10 cm. Flowers: July to October.

Stace 4:

Oxalis exilis A. Cunn. (O. corniculata var. microphylla Hook. f.) - Least Yellow-sorrel.

Differs from O. corniculata in filiform stems and all parts smaller; leaves always green; seeds 2-4 per cell; and inflorescence always 1-flowered; capsules 3-4.5mm, with 2-4 seeds per cell; usually 5 stamens with and 5 without anthers. Neophyte-naturalised; similar places and distribution to O. corniculata, usually but not everywhere less common; New Zealand and Tasmania.

Key:

  • Petals yellow
  • No sepals cordate; leaves thin, not succulent
  • Aerial stems present; bulbs 0
  • Stems procumbent, eventually rooting freely at nodes
  • Inflorescence always 1-flowered; capsules 3-4.5mm, with 2-4 seeds per cell; usually 5 stamens with and 5 without anthers

Useful Links:

Naturespot

Online Atlas of the British and Irish Flora

UK SOUTHWEST

Wild Flower Web

MAKAQues

NEW ZEALAND PLANT CONSERVATION NETWORK

Wikipedia

iNaturalist

Kew

GBIF

NBN