What Oxalis (Yellow Wood Sorrel) looks like
Clover-like leaves with three heart-shaped leaflets (often reddish underneath); small yellow or pink flowers followed by seed pods that explode when touched.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Best approach: Spray or dig
Hand-pulling works for small patches but remove the entire root — oxalis regrows from root fragments. Pull BEFORE seed pods form (they explode and spread seeds). In flower beds, hand-pulling is preferred.
Best products for Oxalis (Yellow Wood Sorrel)
Formulated to kill oxalis (yellow wood sorrel) without wiping out your grass — see the timing and chemistry below.
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BioAdvanced All-In-One Weed & Feed (22-0-4)
✓ Kills oxalis (yellow wood sorrel)Beginner friendly
Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1
✓ Kills oxalis (yellow wood sorrel)Beginner friendlyPrevents crabgrass for up to 4 months, kills dandelion, clover and other listed broadleaf weeds, and feeds. Apply to wet grass, no more than twice a year. Not for St. Augustine. Its label allows centipede, but centipede does better with a stand-alone weed killer and a lighter feeding.
Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5
✓ Kills oxalis (yellow wood sorrel)Beginner friendlyWeed killer plus 26-0-2 lawn food for dandelion, clover and other listed broadleaf weeds. Apply to wet grass. On bahia, wait until mid-April and the third mowing, and make fall applications before Nov 1. Not for St. Augustine. Its label allows centipede, but centipede does better with a stand-alone weed killer and a lighter feeding.
How much do you need?
Herbicide is dosed by lawn size. Pick your yard size for a quick estimate:
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When to treat Oxalis (Yellow Wood Sorrel)
Spray in spring or fall when temperatures are 60–80°F and the weed is actively growing. Avoid summer heat — stressed grass takes collateral damage.
Chemical treatment
Use a broadleaf herbicide with 2,4-D, dicamba, or MCPA in spring or early fall. Persistence is needed—treat multiple times or use a stronger formulation with triclopyr.
Non-chemical management
Remove plants before seed pods mature and explode; maintain dense turf to prevent establishment.
How to stop Oxalis (Yellow Wood Sorrel) coming back
Remove plants before seed pods mature and explode; maintain dense turf to prevent establishment.
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What does Oxalis (Yellow Wood Sorrel) look like?
Clover-like leaves with three heart-shaped leaflets (often reddish underneath); small yellow or pink flowers followed by seed pods that explode when touched.
What's the best way to kill Oxalis (Yellow Wood Sorrel)?
Spray or dig. Hand-pulling works for small patches but remove the entire root — oxalis regrows from root fragments. Pull BEFORE seed pods form (they explode and spread seeds). In flower beds, hand-pulling is preferred.
Is Oxalis (Yellow Wood Sorrel) hard to get rid of?
Oxalis (Yellow Wood Sorrel) is rated hard to control. It usually requires multiple applications and a consistent plan.
How do I stop Oxalis (Yellow Wood Sorrel) coming back?
Remove plants before seed pods mature and explode; maintain dense turf to prevent establishment.
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