Eastern Forest Threat Center - Sheep Sorrel

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Sheep sorrel

Sheep sorrel

Elizabeth Czarapata, Wisconsin DNR

Sheep Sorrel
Rumex acetosella

Sheep sorrel, native to Europe, causes hay fever in humans and can poison livestock if consumed in sufficient quantities.

Keywords: Polygonaceae, herbaceous, perennial, upright stems, shallow fibrous roots, extensive horizontal roots; Common names: field sorrel, red sorrel

Distribution Map Distribution Source Image

Threat Description

Sheep sorrel is an herbaceous perennial in the buckwheat family growing to a height of 4 to 12 in. The stems are upright, branched at the top, slender, and reddish in color. Arrow-shaped leaves are simple, 1-3 in. long, and smooth with a pair of horizontal lobes at base. Lower leaves are spade-shaped and without lobes. Flowers bloom May to October and are green to red to rust brown, clustered near the top of the plant. Male and female flowers are usually on separate plants with male flowers being yellow to red and female flowers greenish. Seeds are reddish or golden brown with rust brown hulls and can remain viable in soil for 10 to 20 years. The root system is made up of shallow fibrous roots and extensive horizontal roots that can reach depths of 5 ft. Sheep sorrel reproduces by seeds and creeping roots that produce new shoots. It prefers sandy or gravelly soils and does not tolerate shade. It is located in open disturbed areas, pastures, meadows, and utility, roadside, and railroad rights-of-way. It can spread extensively, especially on acidic and nutrient-deficient soils.