common sheep sorrel
Rumex acetosella
Polygonaceae
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A patch of the common sheep sorrel can be quite pretty because of the tiny reddish flowers growing along the slender green stems that sway in unison in the breeze. At Salter Grove, it can be found in areas of the lawn that regularly escapes mowing, such as alongside boulders or large dips in the ground.
The arrowhead-like leaves of sheep sorrel have a tangy sour taste and people use it as a garnish or salad green. It is even acidic enough to be used as a curdling agent in cheese-making. Blueberry farmers aren't too happy with it though, because sheep sorrel thrives under the same conditions as are favorable for blueberry cultivation. Once established, its habit of growing from underground rhizomes makes it hard to eradicate.