Q: I have seen small, clover-like plants with purple flowers along the roadsides and in some of the natural areas. I know it is not a violet but it is equally pretty. Can you tell me what it is?

A: From your description, I am fairly confident you have spotted the wildflower called Violet wood sorrel, Oxalis violacea L., which is showing up in several of our local wooded areas. The leaf shape is unique and therefore made this wildflower easier to identify than most flowers. This plant is the cousin of the Yellow wood sorrel which is a problem in many of our lawns. Violet wood sorrel is found in most every state of the Union so you would think it would be prolific but in actuality, in some states it is on the endangered or threatened list. According to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Massachusetts and Rhode Island Violet wood sorrel is listed as endangered; Michigan and New York have it listed as threatened; and in Connecticut is it listed as a plant of special concern. The word oxalis comes from the Greek oxus which means “sour,” referring to the pleasantly sour taste of the leaves and stem. They can be eaten but it is suggested to limit the amount as it may cause nausea. A true perennial, this plant flowers in the early spring.

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