Common names:Â Oxalis, Sour Grass, Bermuda buttercup, Buttercup Oxalis
As a child growing up in Southern California we called Oxalis, “Sour Grass”. Every part of this plant is edible, and it actually looks lovely on the hillsides right now. The name sour grass comes from the way it tastes as the name implies. It’s part of the Wood Sorrel family and it gets it sour taste from the oxalis in its leaves and stems. The heart shaped leaf looks similar to a clovers, although they are nothing alike. Oxalis is an herb that originally came to the United States in the 1900s from South Africa and provides Vitamin C. It grows tuberous roots in the soil and can be found as the first to sprout and disturb areas.
After our recent rains here in California, our hillsides are covered in Oxalis, a lush green bulb with bright yellow, edible flowers. It does look pretty! However, looks are deceiving. Oxalis is a very invasive weed and has been identified by the California Invasive Plant Council and many other counties throughout California as such. Oxalis, is one of the first to sprout and it grows so quickly underground our natives plants have no chance! It grows by underground bulbs, so weed whipping actually makes it grow stronger.
How to Control It?
The most effective way to eradicate this invasive weed is to pull it by hand. For larger areas you can solarize it, by placing sheets of plastic over it in the hot sun. You can also sheet mulch, be sure to put a at least three inches of mulch for it to be effective. We encourage you to read our blog about why you should “Leaf it Be”. You can find in most of California! It is found along the coast of California , in dunes, woodlands, gardens, orchards, and agricultural fields. It’s been considered invasive by the California Invasive Plant Council, and has been highlighted on numerous websites during my research. If you see it, pull it by its roots!
Next Step?
If you see oxalis, that means that there is water in the area. Wings of Change encourages you to plant native wildflower seeds wherever you see this invasive weed. We can recommend many spring blooming plants, that will encourage butterflies and pollinators. Some of our favors include California Poppy, California Native Wildflower Mix, California Buckwheat, Red Bush Monkey Flower, and any of our lupines.
Let’s focus on increasing the population of healthy monarchs! We encourage you to become part of Wings of Change where we work with organizations big and small to improve landscapes to promote butterfly and pollinator conservation. You can stay up to date with more butterfly facts, gardening tips, and event invites by becoming a Butterfly of the Month Club Member. Any donations are greatly appreciated.
Sources:
cal-ipc.org
losaltoshills.ca.gov
calflora.org