Oxalis griffithii 'Snowflake'

Griffith's Wood Sorrel Oxalidaceae

Griffith’s wood sorrel turned up to eleven—although fortunately it still retains the good manners of a woodland plant. ‘Snowflake’ is the charming double-flowered form of Oxalis griffithii, producing exquisite, pure-white flowers in which the petals are multiplied into neat rosettes. Opening above the fresh green trifoliate foliage in spring, they make a remarkably luminous display, particularly in the dappled shade of the woodland garden.

The species is native from the western Himalaya through Nepal, Bhutan and north-eastern India, eastwards across China to Taiwan, Korea and Japan, extending south into parts of mainland South-East Asia. It grows in cool, moist woodland and mountain habitats.

The foliage consists of three broadly heart-shaped leaflets and, like other wood sorrels, folds up at night and in dull weather. The leaves are edible, with the familiar pleasantly sharp, lemony flavour of Oxalis, although best used sparingly as a garnish or in salads.

‘Snowflake’ is particularly choice for cool woodland, shaded rock gardens and raised beds. It is slower growing than some Oxalis, gradually forming an attractive colony rather than taking over the neighbourhood.

Introduction: The original collector or introducer of ‘Snowflake’ is currently unrecorded. It was certainly in specialist British cultivation by at least 2013, when it was being discussed by plantsman Des Martin.

Height: 20–25cm
Spread: 30–45cm
Flowering: March–April
Hardiness: H5–H6, approximately -20 to -10°C
Position: Partial shade; some afternoon sun
Soil: Humus-rich, moist but well-drained
Habit: Rhizomatous, slowly spreading perennial
Flowers: Double, pure white
Uses: Woodland groundcover; edible leaves; early spring display

Introduction: Original collector/introducer unknown; recorded in specialist British cultivation by at least 2013.