Sorrel Overview
DESCRIPTION | Sorrel begins growth in early spring, providing salad greens when few other edibles are available. The plant thrives in full sun or partial shade, and it prefers moist soil. Some types can be grown in shallow water. Sorrel develops a mound of foliage that grows 12-18 inches tall, and it sends up a flower stalk with green flowers that mature to reddish-brown seeds. Remove seed stalks to prevent the plant from self-sowing. |
GENUS NAME | Rumex spp. |
COMMON NAME | Sorrel |
PLANT TYPE | Herb, Perennial, Water Plant |
LIGHT | Part Sun, Sun |
HEIGHT | 6 to 6 inches |
WIDTH | 12 to 24 inches |
FLOWER COLOR | Green |
SEASON FEATURES | Summer Bloom |
SPECIAL FEATURES | Cut Flowers, Good for Containers, Low Maintenance |
ZONES | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
PROPAGATION | Division, Seed |
More varieties for sorrel
Bloody dock
Rumex sanguineus is also known as red-vein dock because it has deep green leaves with contrasting deep red to maroon veins. This species is grown more for its ornamental value than for culinary purposes. While perfectly at home in the perennial border, it also can be grown in shallow water in the water garden. Zones 5-8
French sorrel
Rumex scutatus is a low-acid species well suited to the vegetable and herb garden. It is also sometimes called buckler sorrel or shield-leaf sorrel, a reference to its shield-shape green leaves. The young leaves impart a tangy flavor with hints of lemon. Old leaves may become bitter. French sorrel grows 1 foot tall and wide. Zones 4-9