Red sorrel, also referred to as sheep sorrel, is a summer perennial. The leaves alternate and form a basal rosette. Older leaves are arrowhead shaped with two basal lobes attached to a petiole. Leaves formed along the stem are more elongated and usually lack the basal lobes. The margins of the leaf are smooth. The leaves become thick and fleshy over the summer months. The root of red sorrel is a shallow yellow taproot, combined with multiple rhizomes. Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants and flourish from May to September. The male flowers are yellowish green while the female flowers are reddish brown. The flowering stems of red sorrel can be one or many developing from a crown or rhizome. Red sorrel spreads by seed and rhizomes.
