Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Oxalis brasiliensis
Brazilian Woodsorrel
- Family
- Oxalidaceae
- Height
- 6 to 12 inches tall
- Width
- 6 to 12 inches wide
- Flower color
- Pink
- Foliage color
- Green, sometimes with purple markings
- Bloom time
- Spring to early summer
- Light
- Part shade
- Water
- Medium; prefers evenly moist soil
- Maintenance
- Low; may require division to control spread
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 8 to 11
- Wildlife
- The flowers attract bees and butterflies
About this plant
Oxalis brasiliensis, commonly known as Brazilian woodsorrel, is a perennial groundcover valued for its delicate foliage and attractive pink to purple flowers. Native to Brazil, this plant produces clusters of small, funnel-shaped flowers on slender stems in late spring to early summer, creating an airy appearance above its clover-like, bright green leaves.
Suited for shaded or partially shaded areas with moist, well-draining soil, it is often used as a ground cover in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and rock gardens. Low-maintenance and generally resistant to pests and diseases, Brazilian woodsorrel is a reliable and beautiful addition to any garden.
Works well in
Rock Gardens · Borders · Pollinator Gardens · Woodland Borders
Companion plants
Primroses · Leucothoes · Ajugas · Blechnums · Epimedium · Hellebores
Design tip
Allow this spreading groundcover to weave beneath shrubs and between woodland perennials where it can soften open spaces with natural drifts. Combine evergreen structure, contrasting foliage, and layered textures to create a lush planting with depth, rhythm, and seasonal charm.
