A low-growing, red-brown perennial (although sometimes an annual) up to 40 cm tall. It spreads by extensive, shallow underground rhizornes forming dense patches. Leaves are hairless, alternate and have a membranous sheath at the axils. Lower leaves have long stalks, are lobed and arrow-head shaped; upper ones are not stalked or lobed; the mid stem leaves are intermediate. Numerous, small flowers are borne on branched terminal flowering stalks. Male flowers are green; female ones are orange-red. Blooms from May to July.

Sheep sorrel is found in burnt lands, barrens and fields with low fertility. It grows in patches and spreads quickly when they is little to no competition from other plants. Sheep sorrel competes with low blueberries as the optimal growing conditions are similar. It reproduces by seed and vegetative root. In most cases it does not impact harvest efficiency as its shallow roots are easily pulled although thick stands can clog the heads of mechanical harvesters. It does serve as a host for botrytis blight.

Sheep sorrel grows from seed producing a basal rosette which in turns produces stems and flowers. Flower occurs throughout the summer with male and female flowers found on different plants. Overwintering buds are produced on the rhizome and will sprout early the following spring. Sheep sorrel may act as an annual, emerging as a seedling, flowering to produce seed and dying within one growing season.

Sheep Sorrel Management