Arums
Poisonous arums can have arrow-shaped leaves; their fleshy flower spathes and leaf structure differ.
Use the botanical sourceExtra care needed
Sheep sorrel.
Rumex acetosella
Also found as Red sorrel
A small sorrel with arrow-shaped leaves, used sparingly for a tart flavor.
Sources checked 9 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Contains substantial oxalic acid. Do not taste uncertain arrow-shaped leaves.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 29,916
- People who recorded it
- 12,654
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Apr–Jul
- Records span
- 1953–2026
| January | 339 |
|---|---|
| February | 518 |
| March | 1081 |
| April | 3563 |
| May | 6122 |
| June | 6206 |
| July | 3553 |
| August | 2188 |
| September | 1189 |
| October | 827 |
| November | 566 |
| December | 350 |
| January | 346 |
|---|---|
| February | 209 |
| March | 213 |
| April | 365 |
| May | 173 |
| June | 94 |
| July | 131 |
| August | 139 |
| September | 320 |
| October | 530 |
| November | 493 |
| December | 401 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Basal leaves have two outward-pointing lobes near the base.
- 02
Slender ridged stalks carry tiny greenish or reddish flowers.
- 03
Leaves and flower stalks arise from a low perennial base.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Eurasian origin; widespread introductions.
Watch the plant stage
Young leaves during fresh growth, after confirming the plant in flower.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Leaf
A small culinary flavoring; avoid treating it as an unrestricted salad green.
Care for the patch
Take scattered leaves from abundant plants, leaving the crown intact.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- NC State Extension · Rumex acetosellaBotanical description, range and documented use
Checked 9 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction