Sheep's Sorrel is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in heath, poor soil and stony ground, to a mature height of up to 30cm.
As the name 'Sheep's Sorrel' suggests, sheep and livestock can graze on this species and the name 'Sorrel' denotes a sour-tasting plant, owing to the presence of oxalic acid. However, the plant is not very nutritious, its oxalic acid content damages teeth and in sufficient quantity the plant can prove toxic.
Botanic classification and naming: Sheep's Sorrel is a member of the Knotweed (Polygonaceae) family. The genus name
'Rumex' identifies the plant as a Dock and its species name 'acetosella' means 'acid-leaved plant/ sorrel'.
Concerns: The spreading rhizomes of Sheep's Sorrel can make it difficult to control. The plant can cause tooth damage or toxicity in grazing animals.
Benefits: Sheep's Sorrel provided seed for songbirds and its leaves provide food for deer, rabbits and caterpillars of the Small Copper butterfly.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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