Scurvy Grass Sorrel Oxalis enneaphylla 'Sheffield Swan'

Names

• Family

  Oxalidaceae

• Synonyms

  Scurvy-grass Sorrel, Nine-leaved Oxalis

• Common names

  Oxalis enneaphylla 'Sheffield Swan'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The common name for Oxalis enneaphylla 'Sheffield Swan' is Scurvy Grass. Like many species in the Oxalis genus, Scurvy Grass contains oxalic acid, which is toxic to humans if ingested in large quantities. It can be harmful due to its ability to bind with calcium in the body, potentially leading to calcium oxalate stones, commonly known as kidney stones. Symptoms of oxalic acid poisoning can include a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, kidney damage or failure may occur. While occasional small amounts as part of a diet may not be harmful, consuming larger quantities of the plant or its extracts can lead to these adverse effects.

• To pets

  Scurvy Grass contains oxalic acid, which is also toxic to pets such as dogs and cats, if ingested in significant amounts. The symptoms of oxalic acid poisoning in pets are similar to those in humans and can include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, weakness, tremors, and abdominal pain. Ingestion of large amounts of oxalic acid can lead to kidney failure in severe cases. Pets that consume Scurvy Grass should be taken to a veterinarian for appropriate care and treatment. As with humans, consuming small amounts may not cause immediate harm, but it is generally advised to prevent pets from ingesting this plant to avoid the risk of toxicity.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  0.2 feet (6 cm)

• Spread

  0.5 feet (15 cm)

• Plant type

  Bulb

• Hardiness zones

  7

• Native area

  Argentina

General Benefits

• Ornamental Appeal: Oxalis enneaphylla 'Sheffield Swan', commonly known as scurvy-grass sorrel, adds visual interest to gardens with its attractive foliage and delicate flowers.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, scurvy-grass sorrel can tolerate periods of dry weather, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Low Maintenance: This plant typically requires minimal care, making it a convenient choice for gardeners with limited time.
• Cold Resistant: Scurvy-grass sorrel can survive in cooler climates, making it suitable for growth in a variety of regions.
• Ground Cover: Its spreading habit can help suppress weeds by covering the ground and reducing the space available for weed growth.
• Pollinator Friendly: The flowers of scurvy-grass sorrel attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity in the garden.
• Edible Parts: Some species of Oxalis are known for having edible components, though caution is advised as other species can contain oxalic acid.
• Adaptable to Container Growth: Scurvy-grass sorrel can be grown in pots or containers, making it versatile for use in small or urban spaces.
• Seasonal Interest: Providing flowers mainly in the spring and early summer, scurvy-grass sorrel offers seasonal beauty in the garden.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Oxalis enneaphylla 'Sheffield Swan', commonly known as Wood Sorrel, can be used in floral arrangements for its delicate white flowers, adding a natural and wild touch to bouquets.
• It serves as an indicator species in gardens or wild areas, where its presence may suggest particular soil conditions such as light, well-drained, slightly acidic soils.
• The leaves of Wood Sorrel can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, yielding soft yellow to green hues depending on the mordant used.
• In art, the unique foliage and flowers of Wood Sorrel can be pressed and used in herbarium collections or botanical illustrations for educational purposes.
• Wood Sorrel can be included in a sensory garden due to its interesting texture and the responsive nature of its leaves that fold at night or when touched.
• With its low and spreading habit, Wood Sorrel can be utilized in miniature or fairy gardens as a groundcover that mimics larger landscapes.
• Oxalis enneaphylla can be used in photography projects to represent or highlight the concept of natural geometry and patterns in nature because of its symmetrical leaves.
• The plant can be a teaching tool in schools for lessons in botany or ecology, showcasing the plant's adaptation to cooler climates and its growth habits.
• Enthusiasts of the Victorian language of flowers can use Wood Sorrel to symbolize joy, which is the sentiment historically associated with the genus Oxalis.
• Considered a lucky plant in some cultures, it can be given as a gift for good luck, particularly around St. Patrick's Day as an alternative to the traditional four-leaf clover.

Feng Shui

The Oxalis is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Luck: Oxalis enneaphylla 'Sheffield Swan', commonly known as Silver Shamrock, is often associated with luck owing to its clover-like appearance, which evokes the traditional lucky four-leaf clover.
• Resilience: As a plant that can cope with challenging growing conditions, Silver Shamrock symbolizes resilience and the ability to thrive in adversity.
• Buoyancy: The delicate, uplifted appearance of its foliage and flowers suggests a sense of buoyancy and lightness, embodying an optimistic attitude.
• Balance: The symmetrical shape of Silver Shamrock's leaves often represents balance and symmetry in nature, reflecting the harmony found in the natural world.