Rumex acetosella
Petite oseille
Sheep’s Sorrel
Additional information
| Plant family | |
|---|---|
| Area | Provence Verte |
| Flower colour | pink |
| Flower size | 2 mm |
| Flowering months | March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November |
| Leaf type | Hastate |
| Height | 50 cm |
Description
Rumex acetosella is an indicator that the soil in the area is calcareous.
An erect plant branching at the top.
Flowers
The male flowers are yellowish-green, the female flowers are pink-maroon, on separate plants.
Leaves
Hastate spear-shaped leaf with horizontal lobes at base. Spear-shaped with horizontal lobes at the base.
Fruits Seeds
Achene: a string of small dry 1-seeded fruit. The seed is 3 edged, glossy and brown, surrounded by valves, 1 mm across.
Edible
Young leaves have a tart taste, good to use as a garnish or in a mixed leaf salad. It curdles milk and can be substituted for rennet in cheese making.
Medical
Leaves: contain oxalic acid and should not be eaten in quantity.
Oxalic acid can combine with calcium, causing kidney stones to form in susceptible people.
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