Shrubby Woodsorrel: A Lesser-Known Native Gem for Southwestern Gardens
If you’re exploring native plants for your southwestern garden, you might stumble upon shrubby woodsorrel (Oxalis frutescens) – a charming little perennial that’s flying under the radar in the native plant world. This herbaceous beauty is one of those plants that doesn’t get much fanfare, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth knowing about!
What Makes Shrubby Woodsorrel Special?
Shrubby woodsorrel is a native perennial herb that belongs to the wood sorrel family. Unlike some of its more aggressive cousins in the Oxalis family, this species is a well-behaved native that calls the American Southwest home. As a forb (that’s garden-speak for a non-woody flowering plant), it maintains a low profile while potentially adding subtle charm to native landscapes.
Where Does It Call Home?
This little native has a pretty specific address – you’ll find shrubby woodsorrel naturally occurring in New Mexico and Texas. It’s adapted to the unique conditions of the southwestern United States, making it a true regional native for gardeners in these areas.
Should You Grow Shrubby Woodsorrel?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky – shrubby woodsorrel is one of those mysterious natives that doesn’t have a lot of cultivation information readily available. While it’s definitely native (which is always a plus!), specific details about its garden performance, growing requirements, and ornamental value are pretty scarce in the gardening literature.
The case for growing it:
- It’s a true native to the Southwest
- Being in the Oxalis family, it likely has the characteristic clover-like leaves that many find appealing
- As a perennial, it should return year after year once established
- Native plants are generally better for local ecosystems
The challenges:
- Very limited availability in the nursery trade
- Scarce information about cultivation requirements
- Unknown ornamental value compared to other native options
Growing Conditions and Care
Since specific growing information for shrubby woodsorrel is limited, we have to make some educated guesses based on its native habitat and family characteristics. Being native to New Mexico and Texas suggests it’s likely adapted to:
- Hot, dry summers
- Well-draining soils
- Full sun to partial shade conditions
- Low to moderate water requirements once established
If you’re lucky enough to find this plant or encounter it in the wild, treat it like you would other southwestern natives – provide good drainage, avoid overwatering, and let it settle into its natural rhythm.
The Bottom Line
Shrubby woodsorrel represents one of those interesting native plants that might be perfect for the right gardener in the right location. If you’re in New Mexico or Texas and are passionate about growing truly local natives, it could be worth seeking out – though you might have better luck finding more readily available and well-documented native alternatives for your garden.
Consider this plant a deep cut in the native plant world – interesting for those who want to go beyond the typical recommendations, but probably not the best choice for your first foray into native gardening. Sometimes the most rewarding native plants are the ones that make us work a little harder to understand and appreciate them!
