What is Sorrel?
{{taxobox |name = Sorrel |image = (MHNT) Rumex acetosa - Habit.jpg |regnum = [[Plant]]ae |unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]] |unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]] |unranked_ordo = Core eudicots |ordo = [[Caryophyllales]] |familia = [[Polygonaceae]] |genus = ''Rumex'' |species = '''''R. acetosa''''' |binomial = ''Rumex acetosa'' |binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]] |synonyms = ''Rumex stenophyllus'' <small>Ledeb.</small> |}} [[File:Rumex acetosa - Hapu oblikas.jpg|thumb]] '''Sorrel''' (''Rumex acetosa''), also called '''common sorrel''' or '''garden sorrel''', is a [[perennial plant|perennial]] [[Herbaceous plant|herb]] that is cultivated as a garden [[herb]] or [[leaf vegetable]] (pot herb). Sorrel is also known by the names '''spinach dock''' and '''narrow-leaved dock'''. ==Growth== Sorrel is a slender [[plant]]. It is about 60&nbsp;[[centimetre]]s (cm) high, and it has [[roots]] that go far into the ground. Sorrel also has juicy stems and [[:en:oblong|oblong]] [[leaf|leaves]] that can be eaten. ==Characteristics== It has [[:en:whorl|whorl]]ed spikes of reddish-green [[flower]]s, which bloom in summer, becoming purplish. The [[stamen]]s and [[pistil]]s are on different plants ([[dioecious]]); the ripe [[seed]]s are brown and shining. ==Uses== Common sorrel has been cultivated for centuries. The leaves may be [[purée]]d in [[soup]]s and [[sauce]]s or added to [[salad]]s and [[sorrel soup|shav]]; they have a flavour that is similar to [[kiwifruit]] or sour [[garden strawberry|wild strawberries]]. The plant's sharp taste is due to [[oxalic acid]], which is a [[poison]]. In small quantities sorrel is harmless; in large quantities it can be fatal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.womens-health-club.com/herbs/sorrel.htm|title=Sorrel-Uses And Side Effects|website=www.womens-health-club.com}}</ref> {{reflist}} {{Herbs & spices}} {{biology-stub}} [[Category:Polygonaceae]] [[Category:Herbs]] [[Category:Leaf vegetables]] [[Category:Medicinal plants]]