Shrubby Woodsorrel: A Native Texas and New Mexico Perennial Worth Knowing
If you’re passionate about native gardening in the Southwest, you might want to get acquainted with shrubby woodsorrel (Oxalis frutescens angustifolia). This unassuming little native perennial herb quietly calls Texas and New Mexico home, and while it might not be the showiest plant in your garden, it represents something special: a true regional native that’s perfectly adapted to local conditions.
What Exactly Is Shrubby Woodsorrel?
Shrubby woodsorrel belongs to the wood sorrel family and goes by the botanical name Oxalis frutescens angustifolia. You might also see it listed under its synonyms Oxalis angustifolia Kunth or Oxalis berlandieri Torr. in older references. As a perennial forb (that’s garden-speak for a non-woody flowering plant), it’s built to last year after year without developing the thick, woody stems you’d find on shrubs or trees.
Where You’ll Find This Native Gem
This native beauty keeps things relatively local, naturally occurring in just two states: New Mexico and Texas. Its limited range makes it a true regional specialty—like a local delicacy that you can’t find just anywhere.
Should You Plant Shrubby Woodsorrel?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While shrubby woodsorrel has all the credentials of a great native plant—it’s perfectly adapted to local conditions, supports regional ecosystems, and requires minimal fuss once established—detailed information about its garden performance and specific growing requirements remains limited in horticultural literature.
What we do know is encouraging:
- It’s a true native, meaning it evolved alongside local wildlife and weather patterns
- As a perennial, it’ll return year after year once established
- Its native status suggests it’s naturally adapted to local soil and climate conditions
The Reality Check
If you’re hoping for detailed growing guides, specific pollinator benefits, or exact hardiness zones, you might find yourself wanting more information—and you wouldn’t be alone. Shrubby woodsorrel represents one of those native plants that deserves more attention from the gardening world but hasn’t quite made it into mainstream horticultural resources yet.
Growing Considerations
While specific cultivation details for Oxalis frutescens angustifolia are limited, its native habitat in Texas and New Mexico suggests it’s adapted to:
- Hot, dry summers typical of the Southwest
- Well-draining soils
- Minimal water requirements once established
- Full sun to partial shade conditions common in its native range
The Bottom Line
Shrubby woodsorrel might be perfect for adventurous native plant gardeners who enjoy working with lesser-known species. If you can source it responsibly from native plant nurseries in Texas or New Mexico, it could be an interesting addition to a native plant collection or naturalized area.
However, if you’re looking for a well-documented native with proven garden performance and plenty of growing information available, you might want to start with other established Southwestern natives while keeping an eye out for shrubby woodsorrel as your native gardening expertise grows.
Sometimes the most interesting native plants are the ones still waiting for their moment in the gardening spotlight—and shrubby woodsorrel might just be one of those hidden gems.
