IPMP3.0, Oregon State University, Copyright 2000

Biology and Management of Red Sorrel

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Registered Herbicides

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  Red Sorrel

  General Description:

  • Stem somewhat woody at the base.
  • 1/2 to 2 feet tall, little branched.
  • Blade of the lower leaves somewhat arrow-shaped with 1 or 2 conspicuous basal lobes.
  • Upper leaves are more slender and sometimes without basal lobes.
  • The slender petiole has a papery sheath at the point of attachment ot the stem.
  • Leaves and stems have a sour taste.
  • Flowers are borne in branched terminal clusters.
  • Plants are dioecious, the male flowers are orange-yellow; female flowers are red-orange.
  • Fruits are small, 3-angled, enclosed in 3 reddish, persistent flower parts.
  • Triangular seeds are polished mahogany colored.

Life cycle:

  • Perennial with slender, creeping rootstock.

Habitat/ Crops associated with:

  • Native to Europe.
  • Can be found throughout the west.
  • Thrives on acid soils, but has adapted to other conditions.
  • Occurs in lawns, fields, gardens and along roadsides.

Herbicide Control Notes:

  • Fall plus spring application of Stinger provides most effective control. Seedlings controlled with Sinbar or Karmex/Direx plus Gramoxone.