Meet the False Shamrock
False Shamrock | Oxalis triangularis
How do you know it’s me?:
I am an herbaceous plant (often a houseplant) that grows from corms. These are woody little bulb-like structures.
I have a compact and clumping growth habit.
My compound leaves are composed of three triangles, called “trifoliate". Many varieties have a different-colored triangle at the center of each leaf. They grow at the ends of my stems.
I have 5-petaled flowers in shades of pink to white.
My light-colored stems are slender, smooth and tube-shaped. These stems shoot directly out from the bulb.
How big do I grow?: 6” - 1.5’ height and 1’ - 2’ spread.
Sun-seeker or shade-lover: Part shade. If inside, I prefer bright, indirect light, or filtered sunlight.
Where I prefer to put my roots: Well-drained, loamy soil.
Hardiness: Zone 8-11. Sometimes can be grown outside in Zone 7, as long as I’m covered by about 3” of soil.
Original home: I am native to South America.
Colors: My flowers are pink or white, and my leaves can be green, purple, or variegated.
When I bloom: Sporadically through the spring, summer, and early fall.
Wildlife friends: Butterflies may visit me if I’m outside.
Flora Fun Facts: At night (or sometimes when disturbed), my leaves and flowers fold to close.
More Info: This expressive little plant is a low-maintenance houseplant or landscape plant with bold, colorful leaves and dainty blooms that sway on long, elegant stems.
A member of the Oxalidaceae (wood sorrel) family.
Often grown as a houseplant, the False Shamrock prefers a loamy potting mix. Allow the top of the soil in the pot to dry out between waterings.
A common plant selected for Easter decor.
This plant may begin to show signs of entering dormancy or needing a dormant period (most often after a heavy blooming period or before winter). Its leaves will begin to die back or look droopy. The stems can be cut back to the soil once the soil has dried out, and then the plant can be stored in a cool, dark place for a few weeks. To revive after dormancy, place on a warm, sunny windowsill and provide small amounts of water until it sprouts new growth.
Prolonged dryness, or too much heat can also lead to dormancy.
A great houseplant for a semi-sunny window! This plant can also be planted outside (great in a pot) and grown as an annual in cooler climates, or as a perennial in warmer climates.
True shamrocks are from the “Trifolium” genus, whereas the False Shamrock is “Oxalis.” This plant is also called Purple Shamrock or Purple Wood Sorrel.
