Description
Sheep Sorrel
Botanical Name: Rumex acetosella
Sheep sorrel is a perennial with a creeping habit, with lance shaped leaves 5-8cm long. Spikes of insignificant tiny, yellow flowers turn into small red/brown seeds. Leaves and stems can also have a brown tinge. The plant reaches a height of 30cm when in flower.
This sorrel has a bit more zing than garden sorrel. The bite size leaves are great to add to a salad, they add a sour lemony taste. The leaves can also be added to sauces and soups.
Sheep sorrel is one of the four herbs in the Essiac formula that Renee Caisse used in a cancer treatment. It has a diuretic action and can be used to remove excess fluid from the body, and as a tonic for the urinary tract and kidneys. The leaves are also rich in vitamin C.
Sheep sorrel should be avoided by people who are prone to kidney stones.
Growing Conditions
Sheep sorrel prefers a moist but well drained soil which is slightly acidic. Grow in sun to partial shade. It does not like extremely hot weather.
