Sorrel, << SAWR uhl, >> is the name of several species of herbs. These plants have juicy leaves and stems that contain oxalic acid. This gives them a sour taste.
The red sorrel, also called common sorrel and sheep sorrel, is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It grows about 1 foot (30 centimeters) high. The plant has arrow-shaped leaves and clusters of small reddish or greenish flowers. The name red sorrel comes from the plant’s masses of triangular red seeds. Red sorrel is a troublesome weed. Its presence indicates that the land needs lime.
The garden sorrel measures about 3 feet (91 centimeters) in height. Native to Europe and Asia, it is sometimes grown in North America for its edible leaves.
