Habitat and Range
Sheep Sorrel is a common plant that grows in almost any habitat, but thrives in moist habitats with acidic soil. It is often found growing in disturbed soils up to 10,000 ft in all parts of the Sierra.
Physical Description
This dioecious (unisexual) herb can be easily identified by its hastate (spear-shaped) leaf. The plant grows no taller than 1 ft and has a slender stem that produces few leaves and a terminal inflorescence of small yellow or red flowers. The inflorescence resembles that of Dock and other Sorrels of the Rumex genus. Most of the leaves are basal and arise from a thin rhizome. The leaves can be a half-inch to 4 inches long with equally long petioles.
Food Uses
The leaves have the sharp taste of lemonade and can be eaten raw or cooked. Sheep Sorrel leaves are a great addition to salads and are a nice thirst-quenching snack on the trail. They are high in Vitamin A and C and beta-carotene.
CAUTION: Eat in moderation or boil. Raw parts of this plant contain oxalic acid, a compound that reacts with calcium to produce oxalate crystals. This can yield symptoms of poisoning including muscle spasms, cramps and burning pain in the mouth.
Medicinal Uses
Like all species of Rumex, Sheep Sorrel has been used as a liver stimulant to balance metabolic activity. A poultice can be made from the leaves that is said to treat skin cancers and tumors. An astringent root decoction can be helpful in tightening loose stools and slowing heavy menstrual bleeding.
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