Tips on Monitoring Yellow Woodsorrel in Greenhouse Containers

Posted by Brian Sparks|June 6, 2022

Photo: Michigan State University

Yellow woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta), also known as oxalis, is one of the most common broadleaves weed species in greenhouse container production. It is an annual weed species in cool climates, such as the northern U.S., and a perennial weed in warmer regions. Oxalis is native to North America and is widely distributed throughout the world including the eastern and central U.S., Europe, Africa, Asia, Japan, and New Zealand.

Oxalis is difficult to control because it can spread by rhizomes, stolons, and by seeds which have no dormancy requirement. Oxalis populations can negatively affect the growth rates of ornamental crops.

A recent e-Gro alert from D.r Debalina Saha at Michigan State University outlines how growers can identify and control yellow woodsorrel in their greenhouses. For example, Oxalis is herbaceous and usually grows upright with extensive branching, but may also grow prostrate along the soil surface. Branches or unbranched stems arise from fleshy rhizomes in the soil or substrate. The underground rhizomes can overwinter depending upon the severity of the weather. The plant height ranges from 6 to 20 inches.

Learn more in the original e-Gro alert here.