Identifying Yellow Wood Sorrel

Yellow wood sorrel is a low-growing perennial plant that emerges in early spring. Here are some key identifying features:

Leaves are compound, trifoliate, and clover-like with heart-shaped leaflets. The leaves are bright green and fold downward at night.
Delicate yellow flowers bloom from spring to fall. The flowers have 5 petals and are about 1⁄2 inch wide.
The stems are slender and reddish in color. Plants grow 6-12 inches tall.
Seed pods are slender capsules that explode when ripe, scattering seeds up to 20 feet away.
An extensive underground root system spreads horizontally. Roots are yellowish.
Leaves and stems exude a lemon-like juice when crushed or cut. This gives the plant a sour, tangy taste.

How to Remove Yellow Wood Sorrel

Yellow wood sorrel spreads aggressively through rhizomes and seeds. Removing it takes persistence, but these methods can help eliminate infestations:

Manual Removal

Pull or dig up entire plants, including the roots. This is easiest when soil is damp. Ensure you remove all root fragments which can resprout.
Discard pulled plants immediately, do not compost them. Place in sealed bags and trash.
Repeat weekly to get newly emerging plants. Be diligent as root fragments left behind will grow new plants.

Vinegar

Use horticultural vinegar with 20% acetic acid content. Do not use household vinegar which is too weak.
Spray weeds on a dry, sunny day to maximize effectiveness. Thoroughly wet all foliage.
Repeat applications may be needed as the vinegar only kills above ground growth. It does not kill roots.

Boiling Water

Boil water and pour it directly over unwanted plants. Scalding water kills foliage and can damage roots.
Take precautions to avoid splashing or burns. Do not pour near desired plants.
Reapply as new growth emerges until the roots are exhausted.

Landscape Fabric

Install landscape fabric over infested areas. Overlap edges by 6 inches.
Use U-shaped landscape staples to anchor the fabric. Weigh down with mulch.
Keep fabric in place for 1-2 growing seasons. This blocks light and smothers plants.

Corn Gluten Meal

Apply corn gluten meal pre-emergent herbicide in early spring before seeds germinate.
It inhibits root formation in emerging seedlings. Reapply every 2-3 months.
May take 1-2 seasons to deplete the seed bank and control infestations.

Grow Competing Groundcovers

Plant aggressive groundcovers like ajuga, vinca minor, or sedum to outcompete yellow wood sorrel.
Use as a longer-term solution to crowd out and replace weedy growth over time.

Conclusion

Removing yellow wood sorrel requires persistence due to its extensive root system. Combining manual removal, herbicides, and landscape fabrics can help eliminate infestations. Grow competing groundcovers for a long-term strategy to exclude the weeds. With diligence, you can rid your garden of this invasive plant and enjoy weed-free spaces.

FAQs About Identifying and Removing Yellow Wood Sorrel

How can I tell yellow wood sorrel apart from clover?

Clover has rounder, more oval leaflets rather than heart-shaped. Clover also does not have reddish stems or yellow flowers. Crush a leaf to check for lemony juice which is unique to wood sorrel.

What is the best herbicide for yellow wood sorrel?

Look for broadleaf or dicot herbicides containing 2,4-D, MCPP, or dicamba. Products with triclopyr are also effective. Always read and follow label directions.

Does pulling yellow wood sorrel make it spread more?

If root fragments are left behind, yes it can worsen spread. Pull plants carefully removing all roots. Dispose of plants immediately offsite. Follow up with frequent monitoring.

How do I stop yellow wood sorrel from returning each year?

Eliminate seed production and root reserves by consistent removal. It may take 1-3 years of persistence. Install landscape fabric and plant competitive groundcovers for longer-term control.

What can I plant to crowd out yellow wood sorrel?

Good options include bugleweed (Ajuga), periwinkle (Vinca minor), sedum, wild ginger (Asarum), and bishop’s weed (Aegopodium podagraria). These spread aggressively, outcompeting wood sorrel.

How to Identify and Remove Yellow Wood Sorrel

This comprehensive article provides detailed guidance on identifying yellow wood sorrel and proven methods to effectively remove and control this stubborn weed. With persistence using manual removal, landscape fabrics, competitive plantings and targeted herbicides, yellow wood sorrel can be successfully eliminated from gardens and lawns. The key is diligence to deplete root reserves and prevent seed production and spread. Use this thorough guide to reclaim your landscape from yellow wood sorrel invasion.