Rumex Species, French Sorrel, Buckler's Sorrel, Buckler-Leaved Sorrel, Shield-Leaf Sorrel

Rumexscutatus

Genus
Rumex (ROO-meks)
Species
scutatus (skut-AY-tus)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Height
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Danger
N/A
Bloom Color
Red
Chartreuse (yellow-green)
Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Other Details
Category
Herbs
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Seward, Alaska

Fallbrook, California(5 reports)

Los Angeles, California

Redwood City, California

San Jose, California

Santa Cruz, California

Vallejo, California

Pensacola, Florida

South Easton, Massachusetts

Avon, Minnesota

Tijeras, New Mexico

Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania

Bremerton, Washington

Stanwood, Washington

Powell, Wyoming

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Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

5
positives
2
neutrals
0
negative
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L
L
Seattle, WA (Zone 8a) | May 2009 | positive

Great site! Just learning how it works. Sorrell is very tastey but can have harmful side effects for some. See below. I just download...Read More

R
Madison, WI (Zone 5a) | October 2006 | positive

Very tasty lemony leaves. It is considered invasive though so you probably want to grow it in a pot. Easy to grow.

P
Monroe, NC (Zone 7b) | July 2006 | neutral

I just did a search on this plant, before planting one. Some of the above comments concern common garden sorrel, or Rumex acetosus, whic...Read More

Z
Z
Pensacola, FL (Zone 8b) | April 2005 | positive

A very delicious meal can be made from sorrel leaves and eggs. When it's done, it looks like spinach, but tastes sweet. I don't have the ...Read More

P
Deal, NJ (Zone 7a) | July 2004 | positive

Very easy to grow..... my plants lasted for several years untill they peetered out..... will grow in partial shade..... appreciate not ...Read More

W
Seward, AK (Zone 3b) | September 2002 | positive

French sorrel likes our cool moist climate in South Central Alaska. It winters over well, and it affords wonderful bounty all summer long...Read More

L
L
(Zone 8a) | August 2001 | neutral

French Sorrel has green arrow leaves that emerge directly from the ground. The flower stalks can reach four feet high.

Pl...Read More

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