Common Sorrel

Common name: Common Sorrel

Botanical name: Rumex acetosa

Family: Polygonaceae

Life cycle: Perennial

Habitat: Common sorrel is common in most types of grassland. It will grow in most types of soil but prefers a low pH. It is a member of the 'Dock' family and is sometimes called the 'Garden Sorrel'.

Leaf: This weed has long, arrow leaves.

Flower: The flowers are borne on long spikes, initially they are a greenish red colour before they turn a purple colour.

Removal & control: If the weeds are few in number, then hand weeding my suffice, taking care to remove the root system. Regular mowing will help discourage and eventually remove common sorrel.

A difficult weed to control with a selective weed killer. In all most all cases more than one treatment will be required.