Which weed is known as oxalis or sour grass?

• A. White clover
• B. Henbit
• C. Wood sorrel
• D. Mouse-ear chickweed

Answer: (C)

Wood sorrel is the weed referred to as oxalis or sour grass. It grows low and spreads by creeping stems, and its leaves are in sets of three with heart-shaped leaflets—giving a distinct clover-like look but with a characteristic heart shape. The leaves and stems taste sour when chewed because of oxalic acid, which is why people call it sour grass. In turf, this combination of low, spreading habit and the sour-tasting trifoliate leaves makes wood sorrel stand out from other common lawn weeds. White clover can look similar at a glance, but its leaflets aren’t heart-shaped and it isn’t associated with the oxalis name or sour taste. Henbit has different leaves and purple flowers, and mouse-ear chickweed has a different growth form and small, non-trifoliate leaves.