Creeping Wood Sorrel (Oxalis)
Perennial & invasive weed
Creeping wood sorrel, often called oxalis, is a low, mat-forming perennial that slips between paving, pots and border plants. Its clover-like leaves can be attractive, but it spreads quickly through rooted stems and energetic seed pods. Small infestations are worth tackling promptly, as overlooked fragments soon make a persistent patch again.
How to identify it
Plants usually stay 5-20 cm high and spread outward on slender creeping stems that root at nodes. Each leaf has three heart-shaped leaflets, often green with bronze-purple colouring, and the leaflets fold down in low light. Small yellow flowers may appear from late spring into autumn, followed by narrow pods. When touched or ripe, pods can fire tiny seeds some distance. Fine, branching roots and rooted stem pieces make complete hand-weeding important.
Where it grows
It grows from spring to autumn in warm, sheltered parts of UK gardens, particularly in containers, greenhouse borders, paving cracks, gravel, wall bases and light, well-drained beds. It favours disturbed soil and can persist through mild winters. Seedlings commonly appear after potting or cultivation, while established plants spread unnoticed beneath other low growth.
Why it is a problem
Creeping stems root as they travel, allowing a small plant to form a dense carpet that competes with seedlings and low ornamentals. Explosive seed pods spread it into nearby pots and beds. Any missed rooted section can regrow, so casual pulling may seem ineffective. It is especially troublesome where close planting makes thorough removal awkward.
How to control it
Hand-weed whenever the soil is damp, easing up the whole plant and following each creeping stem to its rooted nodes. Remove all visible roots and fragments rather than snapping off the foliage. Hoe very young seedlings in dry weather before they root firmly or make pods. Do not shake pulled plants over the bed. Recheck pots, paving margins and borders frequently, then mulch bare soil to reduce new seedlings. Persistence over several growing seasons is usually needed.
Commonly confused with
It is often mistaken for clover, but clover leaflets are generally oval rather than distinctly heart-shaped, and its flowers form rounded heads. Shamrock-like ornamental oxalis have similar leaves, although creeping wood sorrel's low, spreading habit and narrow explosive pods reveal its weedy behaviour.
Creeping Wood Sorrel (Oxalis): frequently asked questions
How do I identify creeping wood sorrel (oxalis)?
Plants usually stay 5-20 cm high and spread outward on slender creeping stems that root at nodes.
How do I get rid of creeping wood sorrel (oxalis)?
Hand-weed whenever the soil is damp, easing up the whole plant and following each creeping stem to its rooted nodes.
Where does creeping wood sorrel (oxalis) grow?
It grows from spring to autumn in warm, sheltered parts of UK gardens, particularly in containers, greenhouse borders, paving cracks, gravel, wall bases and light, well-drained beds.
General guidance for UK gardens and allotments, focused on prevention and non-chemical control. For a confirmed identification, the RHS or a local garden centre can help. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.