Herbs

Rumex scutatus

French sorrel

Sorrel showing its edible green leaves. Michel Langeveld / CC BY-SA 4.0.

A clump-forming perennial grown for its gray-green leaves. It can spread into a low groundcover and produces small greenish-red flowers. Remove flower stems to encourage leaves.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Mature size: 18–24 in. tall × 16–36 in. wide
Water: Moderate; moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA zones 4–9

Sizes & prices

6"$9.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Resistance & tolerances

Drought: Tolerant once established.
Wet soil: Moist soil with good drainage.
Exposure: Tolerates frost and wind.

Keep in mind: Contains oxalic acid. Keep cats, dogs and horses from grazing.

Culinary uses

Edible part: Tart, lemony leaves.
Try in: Salads, soups and sauces.
Harvest: Young leaves; flavor becomes more bitter in summer.

Seasonal interest

Form: Clumping, spreading leafy perennial.

Growing & care

Spread: Watch for self-seeding and spreading growth.

Remove flower stems to encourage leaf growth and reduce self-seeding. Allow space for the clump to spread.

Sources & photo credits

NC State Extension

Photo: Michel Langeveld / CC BY-SA 4.0; resized and converted to WebP · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image notes: Sorrel showing its edible green leaves. Michel Langeveld / CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and converted to WebP.

Reviewed September 15, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.