Wood-sorrel, Common yellow
(Oxalis dillenii Jacq.)

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Table of Contents

1. History
2. Life Cycle
3. Distinguishing Characteristics
4. Control in Corn
5. Control in Soybeans
6. Control in Winter Wheat

History

Traditionally common yellow wood-sorrel has been prominent in lawns and gardens. However, No-till management practices have increased the presence of this weed in many of the field crops.

Life Cycle

A low growing perennial that reproduces mainly by seed.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Often confused with black medick, common yellow wood-sorrel is distinguished by its 3 heart shaped leaflets that are sour in taste (as a result of the oxalic acid) and are bright-green in colour. The flowers of common yellow are bright yellow and contain 5 pedals with 10-15 stamens. For more information, see Page 122 in OMAF Publication 505 - Ontario Weeds.

Common Yellow Wood-Sorrel Pictures
Each thumbnail image links to a larger image

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Herbicide Control in Field Corn

Pre-Emergent Control

One field experiment has shown that atrazine, Marksman and Converge all provide good control of common yellow wood-sorrel (Table 1).

Source:

Dr. Peter Sikkema, Ridgetown College, University of Guelph.

Number of Trials:

Table 1 based on a summary of 1 field trial in corn.

Herbicide Rates:

Rates used in this trial are listed in OMAF Publication 75 - Guide to Weed Control.

Weed Stage:

Pre-emergent treatments. Wood-sorrel had not yet emerged at the time of application.

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Herbicide Control in Soybeans

Pre-emergent applications are generally more effective than post-emergent applications. Full rates of Lorox, FirstRate and Broadstrike Dual Magnum provide adequate control of common yellow wood-sorrel (Table 1). Pursuit is ineffective when applied either pre or post-emergent.

Source:

Dr. Clarence Swanton, University of Guelph.

Number of Trials:

Tables 1 and 2 are based on a summary of 1 field trial in no-till soybean.

Herbicide Rates:

Rates used in this trial are listed in OMAF Publication 75 - Guide to Weed Control.

Weed Stage:

For information in Table 1, common yellow wood-sorrel had not emerged yet. For information in Table 2, common yellow wood-sorrel was at the 3rd to 6th trifoliate stage.

What has been your experience?

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Herbicide Control in Winter Wheat

No field studies have been conducted in Ontario. Wood-sorrel is generally not considered a prominent weed in Ontario cereal crops. The majority of herbicides used in winter wheat are applied post-emergent. Chemical control is generally most effective in situations where soil-applied residual herbicides can be used (Marshall, 1987). Therefore, effective control in soybean will minimize the potential for infestations in winter wheat.

A study conducted in Morocco found that clopyralid (LONTREL), bromoxynil (PARDNER or KORIL), tribenuron-methyl (1/2 of the active ingredient in REFINE EXTRA), MCPA, 2,4-D and dichlorprop/2,4-D (ESTAPROP or DICHLORPROP-D or TURBOPROP) did not provide effective control of buttercup oxalis (Tanji, 1994).

References:

Marshall, G. 1987. A review of the biology and control of selected species in the genus of Oxalis:O. stricta L., O. latifolia H.B.K. and O. pes-caprae L. Crop Protection. Vol. 6, No. 6. pp 355-364.

Tanji, A. 1994. The effects of herbicides on buttercup oxalis (Oxalis pes-caprae). Al Awamia. No.86. pp 83-100.

What has been your experience?

We want your feedback. Let us know what you have experienced with these or other products, as well as any other effective management strategies.