nibble, nibble, nibble

The woodsorrel of Farmer Boy and the sheep-sorrel of Little Town on the Prairie are two different plants entirely, although both have a decidedly lemony, sour taste. Almanzo nibbled on woodsorrel, a type of geranium, most likely Oxalis montana, which can still be found in Franklin County today.

Woodsorrel is a perennial, growing from 2-6 inches in height. Leaves have three heart-shaped leaflets and both leaves and flowers close at night, during changes in the atmosphere, and even when touched. The half-inch flowers appear on long, delicate stems. They can be found in moist and shady spots in the woods.

Nicknamed fairy bells, Laura Ingalls Wilder could have written one of her "fairy poems" about woodsorrel, as it was believed that the "ringing of the fairy bells called the elves to dance their moonlight dance." The original shamrock of the Irish was also Oxalis, woodsorrel with its three heart-shaped leaflets. You will start seeing Oxalis potted plants for sale soon, as they are commonly sold prior to St. Patricks Day in the United States. Look for them in a grocery store near you!

The stems and leaves of woodsorrel are sour due to oxalic acid and potassium oxalate. The leave were used to make a tea which helped reduce fever or as a lotion for skin infections. Oxalic acid is slightly toxic, so woodsorrel should not be eaten in large amounts. It can bind the body's supply of calcium and lead to a deficiency.
- posted by pioneergirl at 6:30 PM