Oxalis oregona (Redwood Sorrel)

Redwood Sorrel (Oxalis oregana) is a low-growing native groundcover of the coastal redwood and coastal Douglas-fir forests of southwestern British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California. Wherever summer fog drip keeps the forest floor moist.

Three bright-green clover-like leaflets fold shut at night and in bright sun. Solitary white-to-pale-pink 5-petaled flowers appear from spring into summer. Spreads by rhizome into luxurious shade carpets.

Traditional food plant for at least 8 coastal Pacific Northwest Indigenous Nations including the Makah, Quileute, Quinault, Tolowa, Yurok, Karok, Cowlitz, and Pomo Kashaya peoples. Fresh leaves were eaten for their sour lemony flavor.

Coastal fog-forest specialist. One of the best native shade groundcovers for the Oregon south coast, where summer fog gives it exactly what it needs.

Per OSU, 'somewhat aggressive, but excellent for an untamed woodland setting.' Pair with Sword Fern, Salal, Low Oregon Grape, and Western Wild Ginger for authentic redwood-forest floor.