Rumex scutatus 'Silver Shield'

Silver French Sorrel. Glad we can offer this silver leafed form of this attractive and tasty perennial. Makes a bold rounded plant to 30" with subtle yet splashy silver leaves that are quite ornamental in addition to being lemon tangy. Maybe good muddled with vodka or steeped in your sun tea. Just note that since the flavor is derived from oxalic acid, small amounts are fine but don't make a meal out of it. Much as we hate moderation, there is a place for it. Tolerant of dry but better with moisture and doesn't seed for us.

We spied a lone 3 ” pot of this sturdy and attractive groundcover the last time we visited the Huntington Botanical Garden, and lucky us – they let us take it home! The shiny silver leaves are a great accent, & attractive year round. It's a tough plant, too – it takes some drought & some neglect, & still looks none the worse for wear. In cold & stress sometimes it even turns a little bit pink – rather nice! Grows easily in most soils, but best in rich, well draining soil. Though edible, this species contains oxalic acid, which gives it a sour taste & should not be eaten in quantity. 6” high, & sprawls to about 2'. Flowers in June, but not in any noteworthy way. Prefers some shade in hotter areas.