How to Get Rid of Oxalis Weeds
Oxalis is one name for members of the Oxalidaceae family, commonly called woodsorrel, sorrel or shamrock. These small herbaceous plants spread quickly, and resemble clover, but are more tender and lighter in color. There are several varieties native to Europe and the United States, including creeping woodsorrel and common yellow sorrel, along with other, more regional, varieties. They are often planted as attractive groundcover, and are not always easy to eradicate, as they form underground mats with bulbs and roots.
Killing oxalis is best done with targeted herbicides like Oxalis-X or Weed-B-Gon; if these are unavailable, general herbicides like Roundup, Ally and Escort also work. Mix them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Add dish detergent to the herbicide for more stickiness and thorough application to the small plants. A few tablespoons of detergent for a gallon of herbicide mixture is enough.
- Oxalis is one name for members of the Oxalidaceae family, commonly called woodsorrel, sorrel or shamrock.
- They are often planted as attractive groundcover, and are not always easy to eradicate, as they form underground mats with bulbs and roots.
Spray the herbicide mixture onto the plants just before they flower, before new bulbs have formed. This may be from late fall to early summer, depending on the climate and oxalis variety. Repeat a few days or weeks later if needed.
If chemical controls are ineffective or undesirable, try solarization. Lay down black plastic sheeting before the start of the growing season, covering the oxalis infestation completely. Some gardeners prefer to use a layer of cardboard covered with wood chips.
After the plants are dead or the cardboard and mulch are decomposed--after at least one entire growing season--seed a competitive planting over the top. The oxalis should be unable to come back with new growth.
- Spray the herbicide mixture onto the plants just before they flower, before new bulbs have formed.
Tip
It's easiest to kill Oxalis when the area it covers is small. Large mats may take several years to eradicate entirely; the best method of controlling oxalis is to prevent its spread in the first place.
Warning
Removing oxalis by hand or with digging is usually a no-win situation, as this encourages more seeding. Oxalis likes disturbed soil, and handling the bulbs and seeds usually results in spreading them further. If you hand-pull oxalis, do it at the right time--before new growth in the late spring.
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Tips
- It's easiest to kill Oxalis when the area it covers is small. Large mats may take several years to eradicate entirely; the best method of controlling oxalis is to prevent its spread in the first place.
Warnings
- Removing oxalis by hand or with digging is usually a no-win situation, as this encourages more seeding. Oxalis likes disturbed soil, and handling the bulbs and seeds usually results in spreading them further. If you hand-pull oxalis, do it at the right time--before new growth in the late spring.
Writer Bio
Kim Hoyum is a Michigan-based freelance writer. She has been a proofreader, writer, reporter and editor at monthly, weekly and daily publications for five years. She has a Bachelor of Science in writing and minor in journalism from Northern Michigan University.
