About
Red veined sorrel is a hardy perennial forming clumps of vibrant green leaves accented with deep red veins. The leaves offer a sharp, lemony flavor and can be harvested young for salads or when mature for cooking. The plant reaches about 30 cm in height and is both decorative and edible, making it suitable for ornamental gardens and containers. Grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate wet conditions and is suitable for planting near ponds or in bog gardens. Propagate by sowing seeds directly into the garden in spring or by dividing established plants. Seeds can also be started indoors and transplanted after the last frost. Harvest young leaves as needed throughout the growing season. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prevents the plant from becoming too tall or flowering prematurely.
Permaculture Functions
- Edible: Rumex sanguineus arrow-shaped leaves carry oxalic lemon tang for salads, sorrel soup, and cream sauces when picked young -- red venation flags ID against toxic dock look-alikes for careless foragers.
- Ground Cover: Clumping rosettes fill moist partial-shade edges along ponds, parsley, and chard without mint-style invasion -- tolerates wet feet better than French sorrel on heavy clay if drainage moves.
- Ornamental: Blood-veined foliage reads as design-forward groundcover in patio pots and cottage borders -- bolted flower wands mean seed rain; deadhead near paths if self-sowing annoys pavers.
Companion Planting
- None known
Threats & Pressure