Violet wood-sorrel

This plant emerges in early spring from an underground bulb, and grows to an average height of approximately 7 inches. The three-part leaves have heart-shaped leaflets. It is similar in appearance to small clovers such as the shamrock. The plant bears violet colored flowers above the foliage, during April, May, and June. It was used as a medicinal plant by Native Americans, including the Cherokee and Pawnee peoples. All parts of the plant are edible; flowers, leaves, stems, and bulb. Oxalis is from the Greek word meaning sour, and this plant has a sour juice. It is used in salads. Moderate use of plant is advisable, as it should not be eaten in large quantities due to a high concentration of oxalic acid, ("salt of lemons") which can be poisonous. It was a traditional food source of the Native American Apache, Cherokee, Omaha, Pawnee, and Ponca peoples.