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Re: Oxalis recommendation

At 08:46 AM 3/17/98 -0700, Nan Sterman wrote:
>I'm looking for a recommendation for low-growing, "tough" oxalis to plant
>between pavers.  Full sun, water moderate, yellow or white flowers, not
>more than 4 - 6" tall (except flowers).  Anyone got anything to suggest?

Hi Nan - 

Risking 'Oxalis flames', here goes:

In California, as well as other places throughout the world no doubt, there
is a small weed - OXALIS CORNICULATA.  It forms spreading mats (usually only
4-8in wide) of small clover-like foliage with tiny, butter yellow flowers.
It is not particularly aggressive, though some people come to have far too
much of it in time (especially in lawns where it is difficult to irradicate).
A desirable form, O. C. ATROPURPUREA, is very handsome in that its foliage
turns a deep, purple-bronze in full sun, showing the bright yellow flowers
off very well.  It prefers growing in between stones or pavers, in poorish
soils, and will tolerate some drought it the subsoil stays moist.  Completely
dry it sill die out in summer, to return again with the rains.

I have fostered this weed in some places of some gardens, pulling the green
forms and leaving the purple.  I have never found it to be a terrible
menance, but I do not grow lawns as a general rule.  For me, it has always
been one of those weeds that you have when you don't want it and somewhat a
challenge when you do!!  If you look around town, you may find it growing
in 'untidy' gardens, and seed is usually abundant.  Pulling the plants up
as a 'public service' and leaving them to dry and shed their seeds in your
chosen spot will usually get some going.  I don't have any right now,
otherwise I'd offer it to you.

Most other Oxalis I know and grow would become too tall for a walkway.

 Sean A. O'Hara                     sean.ohara@ucop.edu
 710 Jean Street                    (510) 987-0577
 Oakland, California 94610-1459     h o r t u l u s   a p t u s
 U.S.A.                             'a garden suited to its purpose'
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