How to Manage Pests

Identification: Weed Photo Gallery

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Red sorrel

Scientific name: Rumex acetosella (Family Polygonaceae)

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DESCRIPTION:

Red sorrel is a perennial weed similar to curly dock. Young seedling leaves are egg-shaped. Older leaves develop basal lobes, giving them an arrowhead-shaped appearance. A characteristic membranous sheath encircles the stem at the base of the leaf. Red sorrel has slender, red stems and dark brownish-red running rootstocks. Flowers are formed in clusters and are yellowish-green or reddish-brown. Red sorrel is often found in wet, acidic soils.

Broadleaf ID illustration.

Text modified from Elmore, C.L., W.B. McHenry, and D.W. Cudney. 1989. Weed control in large turf areas. Chapter 3 in Turfgrass Pests. UC ANR Publication 4053.

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