Oxalis, also known as wood sorrel, is a perennial weed. It is easily distinguished from clover by the 3 heart-shaped leaflets found on top of each long stalk (or petiole) and 5-petaled yellow flowers that bloom from spring through summer. Oxalis can grow to be 4 to 12 inches tall and thrives in full sun or shade. The leaves of wood sorrel fold down at night and open during the day to harvest sunlight. They produce seed capsules that explode when touched, spreading seed in every direction. Oxalis thrives in dry, open places but can also be a problem in moist, well-fed lawns.
While there are over 800 different species of oxalis, two are most commonly found in lawns throughout the Southeast. Yellow wood sorrel (Oxalis stricta) has pale green leaves, grows in an upright clump, and is most commonly mistaken for clover. Creeping wood sorrel (Oxalis corniculata) has leaves that are covered with with fine hairs and are sometimes tinged reddish-purple. It spreads by stems that creep along the ground, rooting as they grow.
If you are seeing weeds in your lawn contact TDI for a service call to have your technician come and resolve the weeds.