Weed Identification

Australia > > Sorrel

Sorrel

Acetosella vulgaris

Alternative Name(s): Rumex acetosella

Family: Polygonaceae.

Form: Herb

Origin: Probably native of Europe; now cosmopolitan especially in temperate regions.

Flowers/Seedhead: In slender terminal heads that mature reddish. Flowers spring to early summer.

Description: Variable slender prostrate to ascending perennial to 50 cm high. Leaves with blade to 10cm long on stalk about 1 cm long. Seeds smooth and shiny, 1–1.5 mm long.

Distinguishing features: Distinguished by rhizomatous growth and spear-shaped leaves with distinct basal lobes (see photo).

Dispersal: Spread by seed and rhizomes.


Leaf shape is characteristic

Notes: Widespread and common. Usually germinates in autumn or winter. Seldom grazed and may be locally dominant in temperate pastures. Contains oxalates and is suspected of poisoning stock. Also a weed of crops in temperate Australia. Has been used as a vegetable.

References:

    Flora of NSW. G. Harden (ed), Vol. 1, 1990, page 292. Flora of Victoria. N. Walsh and T. Entwisle (eds), Vol. 3, 1996, page 294. Weeds. B. Auld and R. Medd, 1987, page 207. Western Weeds A Guide to the Weeds of Western Australia. B. Hussey et al., 1997, page 200.

Web References: Search Australian web sites for further information on this weed.

Seeds
Spreading root system
Widespread weed of pasture, Dalgety, NSW

This weed has been included in the WEEDeck field guide as card H05

More information about WEEDeck is available from Sainty & Associates Pty. Ltd.

 

Australia > > Sorrel

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