Red Sorrel — Rumex acetosella — Family: Polygonaceae — Smartweed

Red sorrel is a perennial weed of low-maintenance sites characterized by dry, infertile and often low pH soils. Red sorrel will survive at neutral pH but is usually not as prevalent because the turf will be more competitive under these conditions.

Red sorrel has a low creeping (rhizomes) growth habit and is also quite viable from seed. The distinctive leaves of red sorrel have a velvety texture and are arrow-head or bullet-shaped with two elongated lobes (dog-ears) at the base. The inconspicuous 'red dust' flowers of red sorrel are typically present in June and can persist through early July.

Also Known As...

• sheep sorrel
• sour-grass
• indian cane
• field sorrel
• horse sorrel
• cow sorrel
• toad sorrel
• mountain sorrel

Elongated	Entire	Alternate	Spreading

velvety bullet-shaped leaves with two elongated lobes at base(dog-ears)

extensive root system with a tap root and shallow spreading rhizomes

flowers are in a panicle, very small, initially green and then reddish-brown

favors poor drainage, low nitrogen, low pH and poor turf cover

Field bindweed is most commonly mistaken for red sorrel. Bindweed is much more vine-like than red sorrel and the lobes at the base of the leaf are more pointed. The leaves of field bindweed have very prominent veins and lack the velvety appearance of red sorrel. The flowers are distinctly different as bindweed is in the morning glory family.

Links:

• Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)

Red sorrel is easily managed with judicious fertilizer applications and consistent mowing at 3+ inches. Dense turf is a very effective deterrent. Red sorrel is often an indication of acidic soils. Liming toward a neutral pH will help encourage the turf and remove red sorrels main advantage.

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