Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella)
Flowers: Mid to late spring. Height: 15cm (6in).
Oxalis is derived from the Greek oxýs = acid, sharp, and hális = salt. Acetosella comes from the Latin acetum = vinegar or sour wine which also describes the plant’s sour character. In the Middle Ages its flavour was so popular that it was even cultivated in England in the 15th century rather than just collected from the wild. The first written mentions of Wood Sorrel as a medicinal plant are found in the manuscripts of the Greek physician and poet Nicander of Colophon (c.150BC).
Medicinal: Infused and drunk as an effective treatment to strengthen a weak stomach, stop vomiting, lower fever and to quench thirst. As an anti inflammatory it was included in herb poultices applied to wounds and swellings.
Culinary: The plant’s sharp tang was used as a flavouring and in salads. English recipes from the medieval period show Wood Sorrel sauces were served with fish and game.
Magic & Myth: The plant was also known as Cuckoo Bread and Cuckoo’s Meat and there is an old folk myth which says that the cuckoo, a magical bird and messenger of the goddess of love and symbol of immortality, had to eat Wood Sorrel to get its voice.
